A chaotic scene unfolded at the grand opening of the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Webster, Texas, as over a dozen construction workers were rushed to the hospital following a chemical mishap.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, August 7, 2024, cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory day for the new indoor water park, located roughly 25 miles southeast of Houston.
Emergency responders were called to the site after a contractor incorrectly mixed two incompatible pool chemicals, sodium hypochlorite and sulfuric acid, resulting in a chemical reaction that released hazardous gases. The incident took place in a separate pool house that manages the outdoor pool, apart from the main hotel and indoor water park.
Webster Fire Chief Dean Spencer reported that the fire department responded to the scene after receiving calls about respiratory issues among workers in the pool house. “At this time, there is no issue with the chemicals. They have all been resolved,” Chief Spencer confirmed, emphasizing that neither the hotel nor the water park was impacted by the chemical spill. “At no time was the hotel or waterpark affected by this event.”
A total of 16 individuals, including employees and contractors, were transported to the hospital. Some were sent as a precautionary measure, while others required more immediate medical attention due to the exposure. Aerial footage from local news outlets showed multiple ambulances and emergency vehicles stationed around the property, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The contractor responsible for the mishap was identified as Hawkins, a third-party company involved in the final stages of the resort’s construction. While the exact cause of the improper chemical mixing is still under investigation, the incident has raised concerns about safety protocols during the construction and operation of large-scale facilities like Great Wolf Lodge.
Despite the incident, operations at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park proceeded as planned later in the day. The resort received clearance from the Webster Fire Department to open its doors to the public after the situation was deemed safe. The resort, which features a sprawling 95,000-square-foot indoor water park and a 58,000-square-foot adventure park, is one of the latest additions to the Great Wolf Resorts portfolio.
In a statement released after the incident, Great Wolf Lodge expressed gratitude for the swift response from local emergency services and reiterated its commitment to the safety of its guests and staff. The resort also confirmed that additional safety measures would be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly concerning the handling of pool chemicals by third-party vendors.
Environmental experts have since been brought in to clean the affected tanks and ensure that no lingering chemical hazards remain. City officials from Webster also confirmed that the area was thoroughly monitored and that the mishap would not impact the ongoing operations of the resort.
The grand opening of the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park was highly anticipated, with hundreds of guests expected to attend the first day. The resort’s attractions include not only the indoor water park but also multiple dining and retail outlets, adventure activities, and 532 guest suites designed to accommodate families looking for a unique vacation experience.
As of now, all workers who were hospitalized have been treated and released, according to sources familiar with the matter.