Chlorine leak at Rome sports club pool sickens 8, 5-year-old in code red
Eight people were overcome by chlorine fumes at the Reds Mezzaluna sports club pool in Mentana, near Rome. A 5-year-old was hospitalised in code red, and about 50 bathers were evacuated. The cause is suspected to be a malfunction in the pool’s chlorine mixing motors.
Incident and injuries
Around 3:30 pm on Sunday 19 July, a strong chlorine odour spread through the Reds Mezzaluna sports club pool in Mentana, near Rome. Bathers, many of them children, started complaining of burning eyes and throat, coughing, and shortness of breath. A total of eight people were overcome, including a 5-year-old child who was the most severely affected. The child was rushed to Sant’Andrea hospital in Rome with code red priority. Four other children aged between 10 and 15 were transported in code yellow to various hospitals. The remaining three intoxicated individuals were also treated at local emergency rooms.
A strong smell of chlorine invaded the sports club.
Emergency response
The Rome fire brigade dispatched a unit from Montelibretti, which arrived at the scene at 3:30 pm and detected a high concentration of chlorine vapour. Four ambulances, three medical cars, and three patrols from the Mentana Carabinieri also responded. As a precaution, all roughly 50 people present were evacuated, and the sports club was temporarily closed. No further injuries were reported.
- Code red
- 1
- Code yellow
- 7
Investigation and suspected cause
The public prosecutor’s office in Tivoli ordered the facility sealed pending inquiries. According to initial assessments, the most likely cause is a malfunction in the pool’s motors that regulate the chlorine-water mixture. The strong odour and rapid onset of symptoms suggest an acute release rather than a slow leak. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining equipment and interviewing staff.
Aftermath and safety
The club remains closed while evidence is gathered. The 5-year-old’s condition is being monitored at Sant’Andrea; the other injured children are in stable condition. No previous safety issues at the Reds Mezzaluna facility have been mentioned in the reports.
