World · Singapore Bureau
Chlorine gas incident hospitalises 59 at South Korean resort hotel
Dozens of guests and staff at a Jeju Island hotel required medical treatment after a chlorine gas leak, likely caused by improperly mixed pool disinfectants. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
LSN Singapore ·
A chlorine gas leak at a hotel in Jeju, South Korea's popular island resort destination, resulted in 59 people being hospitalised on Tuesday. Emergency responders attended the scene after guests and staff reported respiratory distress and other symptoms consistent with chemical exposure.
Investigations suggest the incident occurred during routine swimming pool maintenance operations. Preliminary findings indicate that disinfectant chemicals were mixed in incorrect proportions, triggering a chemical reaction that released toxic chlorine gas into the hotel's ventilation system and common areas.
Emergency medical personnel treated affected individuals for inhalation exposure. Hospital officials reported that most patients experienced respiratory irritation and eye discomfort. The extent of severe cases has not been disclosed, though no fatalities have been reported.
The hotel has suspended pool operations pending a full safety investigation. Local health and safety authorities are conducting a comprehensive review of the facility's maintenance protocols and chemical storage procedures. The incident has raised fresh questions about staff training requirements for hazardous material handling at hospitality venues across South Korea.