Aquapark Reda evacuated after sodium hypochlorite leak: over 400 guests leave, technician hospitalised
A leak of about 600 litres of sodium hypochlorite at Aquapark Reda forced the evacuation of more than 400 guests on Sunday. One maintenance worker was taken to hospital with inhalation poisoning.
Leak of pool disinfectant
On Sunday 26 July 2026, shortly before 19:00 local time, the fire service in Wejherowo received an emergency call about a chemical leak at the Aquapark Reda indoor water park on Morska Street. The substance, identified by multiple sources as sodium hypochlorite, is a standard disinfectant for swimming pools. About 600 litres escaped in a storage room, from a tank connected to the water treatment system. The leak remained confined to that room and did not contaminate the swimming basins or visitor areas.
Evacuation and injury
Following the alert, the building was evacuated. Senior Captain Andrzej Piechowski of the Provincial Fire Service in Gdańsk told reporters that approximately 300 people were led outside. Later in the evening, however, Grzegorz Hinz, press officer for the Wejherowo district fire brigade, provided a higher figure: 404 people had been evacuated from the pool area, plus an unspecified number from the adjoining cafes, bringing the total above 400. All were safe and accounted for.
One person, the technician operating the installation and refilling the water treatment agent, suffered inhalation poisoning.
The technician, who had been refilling the tank at the time of the rupture, was exposed to fumes and experienced mild poisoning. An ambulance was called, and the worker was transported to a nearby hospital for observation. No other visitors or employees required medical attention.
Emergency response
Ten fire engines were dispatched, including four from the Specialist Chemical-Ecological Rescue Group in Gdynia. Crews began air-sampling in and around the storage room, sealed off the affected area, and started decontamination procedures. The concentration of the substance remained elevated near the leak site.
There is a strong concentration. Technicians are examining the situation.
Grzegorz Hinz said that the chemical had not migrated to the leisure zones and that the rescue operation was focused on ventilating the storage space. Earlier in the afternoon, Radio Gdańsk had reported that roughly eight fire units were on their way and that the suspected agent was sodium hypochlorite, although the fire service had not officially confirmed the substance. The specialist chemical group was later called in as a precaution.
The substance did not enter the area intended for tourists.
- Call received before 19:00 local time; about 600 litres of sodium hypochlorite escaped from a storage tank.
- Approximately 300 swimmers evacuated; later total exceeded 400 when cafe patrons were included.
- Ten fire units assigned, including four from the Gdynia specialist chemical group.
- Firefighters start measuring airborne concentration of the chemical in and around the storage room.
- Decontamination and ventilation continue; facility remains closed pending safe air readings.
Aftermath
By 21:00 on Sunday, the Aquapark Reda remained closed, with the fire service continuing to monitor air quality and secure the tank. The facility’s management had not issued a statement. Local media reported no further casualties and that the incident posed no off-site danger. It was expected that the water park would remain closed until the leak was fully resolved and air readings returned to safe levels. No evacuation of neighbouring buildings was necessary.
