CBRN event in United States of America on Mon 1st June 2026

A chlorine gas exposure incident at a Nebraska water park sent eight visitors to the hospital and prompted a major emergency response. Videos by Wide Open Country Officials say as many as 12 people required medical attention following the incident at Pawnee Plunge Water Park. The Columbus Fire Department was called to the park at around 3 p.m. local time on Monday, June 1, after reports that guests had been exposed to the chemical. Water Park Incident Sends Multiple Visitors to Hospital According to the fire department, emergency crews evaluated 12 patients at the scene. Eight of those individuals were transported to local hospitals for further treatment, while four others declined transportation. Authorities have not released the names or ages of those affected. It is also unclear whether any park employees were impacted by the exposure. Emergency crews worked quickly to assess those affected and secure the area as officials investigated the cause of the incident. "The cause of the exposure was attributed to the back-flow procedures used to clear out filters throughout the day," the Columbus Fire Department said in a press release. "The process is normal and occurs multiple times daily. It is believed that during this process, an air bubble containing chlorine was released, which is atypical according to Plunge staff." Fire Officials Share Chlorine Exposure Safety Advice Following the incident, the fire department issued guidance on what to do if someone is exposed to chlorine gas. Officials advised anyone affected to move immediately to fresh air and loosen any tight-fitting clothing. They also recommended showering as soon as possible and removing contaminated clothing. Anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, or chest tightness was urged to seek immediate medical attention. "Everyone did exactly what they needed to do in this situation," Ryan Gray said. "We faced an unknown number of patients in an extremely condensed time period; one misstep could have led to increased confusion and reduced communication." The water park was temporarily closed following the incident but has since reopened and resumed normal operations. Chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools and water parks to keep water clean and safe. It serves as a primary disinfectant, helping eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.