Child among three in hospital after acid leak at Sydney pool

An aquatic centre in Sydney has closed temporarily after an acid spill sparked a major evacuation and three hospitalisations.

More than 150 people were evacuated from Hurstville Aquatic Centre after 70 litres of Hydrochloric Acid leaked into a spa area just after 10am today.

The leak released a toxic vapour cloud into the communal area of the pool.

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Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to the centre on King Georges Road after reports of a “strong toxic smell”.

Nine people, including at least five children, were treated at the scene after inhaling the fumes.

Three patients – two adults and a child – were taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition.

A malfunction of an automated system within the pool’s filtration system is believed to be the cause of the leak.

The cloud of toxic vapour has since dispersed, however, the centre remains closed to be ventilated.

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Three people are being treated in hospital after a ‘toxic smell’ forced an aquatic centre in southern Sydney to be evacuated.

FRNSW hazardous materials specialists are on scene in spillage suits, using equipment to monitor the air inside the centre and make it safe.

“The Fire Brigade is currently on-site working with local management and we will reopen as soon as everything has been cleared as safe,” the centre said in a statement.

“When a patient is exposed to any type of chemical there’s always an unknown to the extent of their injury,” NSW Ambulance Inspector David Stride said.

“Incidents like this can happen in a matter of seconds so it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings.”