Naperville chlorine spill puts 11 people in hospital

Eight children and three adults are being treated for respiratory issues at Edward Hospital in Naperville following a chlorine spill this morning at Goldfish Swim School on the 1600 block of Quincy Avenue in Naperville.

All of the patients are in good condition and expected to be released, according to an Edward Hospital spokesman.

Fire department Bureau Chief Andrew Dina said firefighters responded to a call of a hazardous materials spill at 10:23 a.m. and arrived at the school to find people leaving the building - many of them coughing.

The department's hazardous materials team discovered a chlorine leak and began ventilating the building, Dina said.

Meanwhile, paramedics treated patients complaining of chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. Ambulances took nine patients to Edward Hospital, the fire department said, and 19 others refused to be taken there.

By 2:30 p.m., spokesman Keith Hartenberger said Edward was treating 11 patients with symptoms from the chlorine leak.

Dina said school officials said the staff was "shocking the pool," when the spill occurred, which means they likely found a substance in the water and used chlorine to clean it.

Officials said they're unsure when the school can reopen.

"It was somewhat significant," Dina said, "but they (school officials) handled it well."

A large emergency response including personnel from Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield began leaving the scene at 11:40 a.m.

School officials declined to comment at the scene but said they will issue a statement later today.

The school is in a largely industrial area. No other buildings were affected.

This is a developing story. We will bring you more details as they become available.