Eight Hospitalized After Chemical Mix at Victoria Pool

Eight people were hospitalized in stable condition Friday after two chemicals mixed at a public swimming facility in Victoria, British Columbia, releasing a dangerous gas that prompted a temporary shelter-in-place order and the evacuation of the site.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the Crystal Pool on Quadra Street, where emergency responders were alerted to a hazardous materials event. City spokeswoman Colleen Mycroft explained that the chemicals came into unintended contact, producing gas that vented into the air. As a precaution, authorities evacuated the pool and the surrounding park, and summoned a hazardous materials team to assess and secure the area.

In response, the City of Victoria issued a shelter-in-place directive for residents within 300 meters southwest of the building, instructing them to remain indoors with windows and doors closed to avoid potential exposure. The order, which lasted several hours, was lifted by 3 p.m. after officials determined the immediate risk had passed.

B.C. Emergency Health Services dispatched paramedics to the scene, where they evaluated 10 individuals showing signs of possible chemical exposure. "Paramedics assessed 10 patients...