Twelve people were treated for chlorine gas exposure after an apparent backflow malfunction at Pawnee Plunge in Columbus, Nebraska, on June 1. The waterpark shut temporarily and reopened the same day, while the fire department said it had no updates on patient
By the time Monday’s pool air cleared, the waterpark floor at Pawnee Plunge in Columbus, Nebraska, had turned into a medical scene.
On June 1, the Columbus Fire Department responded to reports of chlorine gas exposure at the Pawnee Plunge waterpark. In a news release, the department said it treated 12 people who were exposed to chlorine gas. Eight were transported to a local hospital. Four people refused transport.
As of June 3, the Columbus Fire Department could not provide details on the status of those affected.
The department said the cause was likely tied to the backflow process used to clear out pool filters throughout the day. That clearing happens multiple times daily. Waterpark staff told the fire department that during one of those clearings. a chlorine air bubble was released—an event described as atypical.
During the incident, the waterpark was temporarily shut down, according to the fire department news release. It reopened the same day.
What happens to the body after chlorine gas exposure can vary widely based on how long someone was exposed and how much chlorine they inhaled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists symptoms associated with exposure to high levels of chlorine. including blurred vision or tearing eyes; burning in the nose. throat. lungs and eyes; coughing and/or coughing up white to pink-colored fluid; chest tightness; shortness of breath or rapid and shallow breathing; respiratory failure; nausea and/or vomiting; and skin pain. redness and/or blisters.
In the hours after an exposure, Columbus Fire Chief Ryan Gray urged specific emergency steps. He recommended moving to fresh air and loosening tight-fitting clothing. He also advised removing all clothing, jewelry and accessories and cleaning off by showering as soon as possible. Gray said people should seek immediate medical attention if they experience shortness of breath, persistent coughing and/or chest tightness.
The fire department investigation remains ongoing, with the most immediate answers—what exactly triggered the atypical release and how those exposed are doing—still not fully clear as of June 3.
Nebraska Columbus Pawnee Plunge waterpark chlorine gas chlorine exposure fire department Ryan Gray backflow process pool filters
Chlorine gas from a “backflow” thing?? That sounds like they didn’t catch it fast enough.
Pool filters clearing multiple times a day and then a chlorine bubble released… like how is that “atypical” if it’s happening during routine stuff. I bet it was one of those maintenance corners they skip.
My cousin worked at a waterpark and said chlorine always “hangs in the air” so I’m not shocked people were treated. But 4 people refused transport?? If you’re coughing and tearing up you don’t just play tough, idk. Also why did it reopen same day… seems weird.
Backflow malfunction… so basically like plumbing farted and everybody got chlorine face? lol. I don’t trust that they can’t say anything about status as of June 3, that’s like forever. And if it’s “likely” tied to backflow clearing pool filters, then was the system even safe in the first place? Wouldn’t want my kids there.