Raging Waters water park at Cal Expo has been evacuated and 20 people have been taken to the hospital with what appear to be symptoms of chlorine exposure.
Assistant Chief Niko King of the Sacramento Fire Department said firefighters were called to Raging Waters at 2:11 p.m. regarding a hazardous materials incident and they detected an odor of chlorine when they arrived.
He said two people suffered severe respiratory distress, and others complained of burning eyes and throat.
The complaints came from people who had been in the wave pool. King said Raging Waters employees were identifying victims and administering first aid when firefighters arrived.
He said officials are trying to determine whether equipment that disperses chlorine in the water had malfunctioned.
The part of the park near the pool was evacuated as a precaution.
Raging Waters officials issued a written statement saying that the cause of problem was unknown and under investigation.
- Matt Kawahara contributed to this report.
PHOTO CAPTION: Emergency personnel suit up at Raging Waters park, where 20 people fell ill and subsequently were taken to the hospital.
PHOTO CREDIT: Lezlie Sterling
KCRA: Water park making sure it's safe to reopen - Aug. 15, 2011
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