A chemical mishap at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Webster, Texas, resulted in over a dozen construction workers being transported to the hospital on Wednesday morning. The incident coincided with the grand opening of the indoor water park, situated approximately 25 miles southeast of Houston on Great Wolf Way.
Webster Fire Chief Dean Spencer stated that emergency services were summoned to the scene due to respiratory complications arising from a chemical reaction in the pool house. The pool house operates independently from the hotel and water park. Upon arrival, first responders discovered that a contractor had erroneously mixed two incompatible chemicals, sodium hypochlorite and sulfuric acid, triggering the chemical reaction.
Aerial footage from the scene depicted multiple ambulances attending to the affected individuals. Chief Spencer reported that 16 employees and contractors working nearby were taken to the hospital, some as a precautionary measure. Additionally, five individuals had already evacuated the building, as confirmed by the City of Webster officials.
Chief Spencer reassured the public that the chemical issues had been addressed and that the hotel and water park were not affected by the incident. He stated, “At this time, there is no issue with the chemicals. They have all been resolved. At no time was the hotel or waterpark affected by this event.”
In the wake of the incident, Great Wolf Resort issued a statement expressing their appreciation to the first responders from the city of Webster. The statement underscored the resort’s dedication to the health and safety of their guests and staff. The resort was given the green light by the Webster Fire Department to proceed with the opening of the resort and all water park attractions as planned.
The resort, which boasts 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 nearing the end of construction. The contractor responsible for the work was identified as Hawkins.
Chief Spencer disclosed 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.