Over a dozen construction workers were rushed to the hospital on Wednesday morning due to a chemical mishap at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Webster, Texas. The incident occurred on the grand opening day of the indoor water park, located on Great Wolf Way, about 25 miles southeast of Houston.
Webster Fire Chief Dean Spencer reported that emergency crews were called to the scene due to respiratory issues caused by a chemical reaction in the pool house. The pool house is a separate facility from the hotel and water park. The first responders discovered that a contractor had incorrectly mixed two incompatible chemicals, sodium hypochlorite and sulfuric acid, leading to the chemical reaction.
Aerial footage from the scene showed multiple ambulances assisting the affected individuals. According to Chief Spencer, 16 employees and contractors working in the vicinity were transported to the hospital, some as a precautionary measure. Additionally, five individuals had evacuated the building, as reported by the City of Webster officials.
Chief Spencer assured that the chemical issues had been resolved and that neither the hotel nor the water park were impacted by the incident. “At this time, there is no issue with the chemicals. They have all been resolved,” Spencer said. “At no time was the hotel or waterpark affected by this event.”
In response to the incident, Great Wolf Resort released a statement expressing their gratitude to the first responders from the city of Webster. The statement emphasized the resort’s commitment to the health and safety of their guests and staff. The resort received clearance from the Webster Fire Department to proceed with the opening of the resort and all water park attractions as planned.
The resort, which features 532 guest suites, a 92,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 61,000-square-foot adventure park, and nearly 15 dining and retail outlets, was in the final stages of construction. The contractor responsible for the work was identified as Hawkins.
Chief Spencer revealed that two facilities manage the pool and the incident occurred at an external pool house that operates the outdoor pool. The reason for the incorrect mixing of the chemicals remains unclear, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
Webster city officials confirmed that the situation was quickly contained and would not impact the Lodge’s operations. They added that an environmental company is collaborating with Great Wolf Lodge and the contractor to safely clean the tanks.