At least 26 people hospitalised in Cyprus after inhaling fumes from chemicals used by pool worker

At least 26 guests at a hotel in Cyprus have been hospitalised after inhaling toxic fumes from chemicals used by a maintenance worker.

Two employees At the Geroskipou hotel, a 57-year-old supervisor and a 28-year-old employee are currently under investigation for allegedly acting on instructions from the supervisor. They are suspected of dangerous or negligent conduct resulting in bodily harm.

Authorities say the 28-year-old poured a combination of 10 liters of calcium hydrochloride and chlorine into the pool’s overflow drain, which when mixed creates toxic fumes, CyprusMail defeated.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, resulted in 12 adults and 14 children being taken to Paphos General Hospital.

It is believed the 28-year-old was ordered to take action when chlorine levels below safety standards were first detected. However, pool treatments must be carried out before the pool opens or after people have left at the end of the day.

The employee is also under investigation for performing work that falls outside his contractual duties as a chambermaid.

Cyprus police requested the arrest of the hotel manager for illegally employing the 28-year-old, whose duties did not comply with his employment conditions, but the Paphos District Court rejected the request.

Two children were hospitalized Monday night as a precaution after inhaling chlorine fumes. They were expected to be discharged later today.

The fumes released can cause skin irritation, burns and respiratory problems.

However, people who came into contact with the gases are said to have experienced only mild symptoms, with no serious complications.

Charalambos Charilaou, spokesman for the state health insurance company (Okypy), praised the immediate and effective action of the health service.