A routine pool cleaning triggered an explosion at a resort in Talisay City, Cebu, leaving at least 19 people hospitalized.
The chemical reaction occurred after a bucket containing muriatic acid was mistakenly added to a chlorine-treated swimming pool at Alcoseba’s Resort Hotel in Barangay Pooc, Talisay City.
Footage shows a maintenance worker carrying out cleaning duties near the water when the pool suddenly erupted on Tuesday evening, September 2.
Caretaker Lita Diaz said one of their workers had been cleaning the facility and believed he was pouring chlorine into the water. However, an internal investigation by the management later confirmed the bucket actually contained muriatic acid.
“We usually use small amounts of muriatic acid. We don’t mix it together with chlorine and alum at the same time. We add them separately, one by one,” Diaz said.
According to a report by The Freeman, no guests or swimmers were seen near the pool at the time, though individuals were present inside the videoke room.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene shortly after several individuals reported nausea and vomiting.
Nineteen people, including the maintenance worker, who sustained burns to his face and body, were taken to the hospital for treatment.
“Based on the CCTV footage, there were bursts when the chemical was poured into the water. That reaction was caused by the muriatic acid coming into contact with the chlorinated pool,” Alvin Santillana, head of Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said.
Officials have issued a cease-and-desist order, suspending the resort’s operations while an investigation is underway. The Freeman also reported that the resort management has assured the public that it would fully comply with the ongoing investigation.
Chlorine is commonly used in pools as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and keep the water safe for swimming. Muriatic acid, a diluted form of hydrochloric acid, is often used in small amounts to adjust the water’s acidity or remove mineral deposits. However, the two chemicals must never be mixed directly, as the combination can produce hazardous fumes or trigger explosive reactions.
—Rosette Adel, The Freeman, Newsflare via Reuters Connect
