Christchurch, New Zealand — A fun Friday waterslide activity at a Woolston childcare centre turned into a major emergency after a corrosive chemical was mistakenly used instead of detergent, sending six people – including five young children – to hospital and triggering a large-scale hazardous substances response.
Emergency services were called to the Kindercare centre on Ferry Road at 1:13pm. Paramedics, firefighters and police rushed to the scene as children began suffering painful skin reactions and blistering after using a slip-and-slide set up on the playground.
Children carried out wrapped in sheets as major response unfolds
An NZME reporter on the scene said paramedics were seen carrying children out of the daycare wrapped in sheets, while others were wheeled out on stretchers. The atmosphere was tense as parents arrived in tears, unsure if their child had been affected.
Hato Hone St John confirmed they were initially told there were “dozens of patients” after the chemical contact incident. Eighteen emergency vehicles — including multiple ambulances, rapid response units and operations managers — responded to the site within minutes.
“Our crews are treating multiple patients,” a St John spokesperson said during the unfolding situation.
‘Corrosive product’ mistakenly put on waterslide, officials say
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said crews were assisting St John with a hazardous substance incident involving a slip-and-slide activity. Three fire trucks attended, along with a specialised hazmat response team.
At a media standup, senior officer John Heriot said a corrosive chemical had been misidentified as detergent and used on the slide. “This caused irritation to the children’s skin and some light blistering,” Heriot said. “We responded with our specialist Hazmat unit alongside St John to resolve the issue.”
40 people assessed — six hospitalised, including a teacher
St John operations manager Chris Harrison confirmed that 40 patients were assessed at the centre. Six — five children and one adult teacher — were taken to Christchurch Hospital.
- 1 person was transported in serious condition
- 5 patients were in moderate condition
Two other children had minor symptoms but did not require hospital treatment. They were discharged with medical advice for parents to monitor any delayed reactions.
Harrison confirmed the injuries were chemical burns, and that affected patients were decontaminated on-site before being taken to Christchurch Hospital for further assessment.
Parents describe panic: “My heart was pounding, I almost cried”
Mother Nikita Wagstaff said her daughter suffered a small burn to her hand. “It’s only little, like a blister,” she said, adding she had been told only that a chemical was on the slide — but not which chemical.
Another parent said they nearly broke down on arriving: “My heart was pounding, I was so scared, I almost cried. I said, ‘That’s my son in there.’ I’m just glad he’s fine.”
Parents also expressed frustration that no clear communication had yet come from the daycare. “I think they’re all frightened and scared,” one parent said. “Hopefully on Monday we’ll hear something.”
Children inside were still playing, says grandparent
A grandparent who rushed over to check on his grandson said his instinct was simply to “make sure he was all right.” He said while some children were being treated, others inside were “running around happy and unaffected.”
Neighbouring business owners told media they saw several emergency vehicles racing toward the centre. One dairy owner said he heard that “liquid on the floor” may have been involved, though details remain unclear.
Investigations expected into chemical storage and safety checks
The Ministry of Education and WorkSafe are expected to review how a corrosive substance ended up being used around young children. Investigators will likely examine:
- How cleaning and chemical products are stored and labelled
- Whether staff received adequate training to identify hazardous substances
- Why the incorrect product was accessible during children’s playtime
- Whether safety protocols were ignored or misunderstood
#BREAKING: Multiple children injured at a Christchurch daycare centre. St John has confirmed one has suffered serious injuries. Here's the latest pic.twitter.com/whLMxXjfTM
— Chris Lynch (@chrislynchmedia) December 5, 2025
Parents and officials now asking: Could this happen elsewhere?
With six patients in hospital and dozens assessed, the incident has shocked parents across Christchurch. Investigators will spend the coming days determining exactly what chemical was used, how it was accessed, and how such a mix-up occurred.
As one parent said while leaving the centre: “If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.”
