Overview

• The incident occurred Friday evening when a chemical reaction during maintenance at Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre released a gas smell
• Firefighters and Fire Rescue Victoria hazmat teams evacuated about 200 people and ventilated the facility before deeming it safe to reopen early Saturday, allowing swimming lessons to resume
• Paramedics treated eight children and one adult, who were transported to Sunshine Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital in stable condition
• Hazmat specialists detected sodium hydrogen sulphate at the scene, a compound commonly used to adjust pool pH levels
• Hume City Council has launched an internal review alongside investigations by WorkSafe and Victoria Police to prevent similar incidents