AT least one child was yesterday admitted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children and more than 20 others received medical attention following a chlorine leak near the National Stadium’s swimming pool, which left them with respiratory problems.

The children, many of whom were in the pool, plus others who had finished swimming and getting ready to go home, were left gasping for breath as the fumes from the potent combustible substance left them with an uncontrollable cough.

Sports Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange told the Observer last night that a full investigation had been ordered into the chlorine leak.

“I am just coming out of a meeting with all the stakeholders, including the minister of health, the senior medical officer, officials from my ministry, plus hospital and stadium officials,” Grange said. “I want to say that there was no explosion in the pool. The situation resulted from a leak from the chlorine gas line,” the minister said.

According to Grange, the incident occurred at about 4:00 pm, but following the escape of the pungent fumes, the chlorine supply was turned off.

The system, added Minister Grange, was installed about nine months ago and so the problem could not be attributed to its age.

Medical doctor Warren Blake, who told the Observer that he was on his way to his office when he stumbled on the scene of the frantic children, assisted in getting them to hospital.

“At first I thought it was something to do with the police, and then when I saw the children in their shorts, I said it’s not anything serious. So I continued driving along, until one of the youngsters stopped me,” said Dr Blake. “I pulled over because I thought he wanted to chat, and then he told me of the situation.

“I took the more serious ones, about six of them, in my vehicle and headed to the hospital. The ambulance made a couple trips and in less than half-an-hour all the children were given oxygen.”

He said Grange was quick on the scene, both at the stadium and also at the hospital.