At least 60 tourists rushed to hospital with toxic gas poisoning after swimming pool pump leak in Spain

At least 60 holidaymakers, including British tourists, were taken to hospital after a toxic gas leak at a hotel swimming pool in Benahavís, near Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

The incident happened after a fault in the pool’s chemical system reportedly caused chlorine and other gases to be released into the water. Authorities said a circuit breaker linked to the pump that injects chlorine and acid into the pool malfunctioned, disrupting the pool’s safety systems while allowing harmful gases to continue escaping.

Children and elderly guests were among those affected and received medical treatment for gas poisoning. The pool has since been closed and sealed off while investigators examine the cause of the leak.

Scientists from a laboratory in Malaga are conducting tests on the pool water as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials have not yet confirmed when the pool will reopen.

The incident comes a day after eight swimmers, including several children, were reportedly poisoned by chlorine fumes at a swimming pool near Rome, Italy. Experts say such incidents can occur when chlorine levels and pH balance are not properly maintained, leading to the formation of toxic gases that can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and other health problems.