A hazardous gas leak at a public swimming facility in Victoria, British Columbia, sent eight people to hospital on Friday after two chemicals accidentally mixed, prompting a shelter-in-place order and a large emergency response. The incident at Crystal Pool quickly escalated into a citywide concern, with authorities urging nearby residents to stay indoors as crews worked to contain the exposure.
Emergency health services were called at around 11 a.m., where paramedics assessed 10 individuals at the scene. Eight were transported to hospital in stable condition. The nature of the gas has not yet been officially confirmed, but city officials said it was created when two chemicals came into contact, releasing hazardous fumes into the air.
The city issued an immediate shelter-in-place order for people within 300 metres southwest of the facility, advising them to remain indoors and shut windows. The alert was lifted later in the afternoon, at around 3 p.m., after authorities determined there was no longer a risk to the public.
The pool, located on Quadra Street, along with a nearby park, was evacuated as a precaution. A hazardous materials team was deployed to the site to secure the area and assess contamination levels, while staff were seen turning away visitors throughout the day.
Hospitals activated emergency protocols
The response extended beyond the scene, with Island Health taking precautionary steps at both Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria General Hospital. Emergency departments were temporarily cleared to prepare for incoming patients exposed to chemicals, with additional staff brought in to manage the situation.
Patients already in emergency departments were quickly moved to other care areas, allowing teams to focus on decontamination and treatment of those affected by the gas. Despite the disruption, officials confirmed that a “code orange” — typically used for mass-casualty events — was not declared.
Both hospitals remained operational throughout the incident, continuing to provide emergency care while handling the influx of patients linked to the exposure.
Investigation underway as facility shuts down
City officials said the exact chemicals involved and how they were mixed remain under investigation. The lack of clarity has raised questions about handling procedures and safety controls within public recreational facilities, where chemical systems are essential but often operate out of sight.
Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will remain closed over the weekend and is expected to reopen on Tuesday morning. Scheduled activities, including summer camp registrations, have already been pushed back as a result of the disruption.
While all hospitalized individuals were reported to be in stable condition, the incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with chemical management in public spaces. Exposure to gases such as chlorine — commonly used in pool sanitation — can lead to respiratory irritation and other health complications, particularly in enclosed environments. More information on such risks can be found through public health guidance on chlorine exposure.
The city says further updates will follow as investigators determine what led to the chemical reaction and whether additional safeguards are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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