An error in the mixture of chlorine in the Peñazul pool generated an explosion with effects on health and environment.
News Colombia.
A serious chemical emergency was presented in the last hours in a country team, located in the municipality of Ricaurte, Cundinamarca.
According to the official report of Captain Álvaro Farfán, delegate of the Department’s Fire Department, at least 17 people were affected after the incorrect manipulation of chemicals used for the maintenance of the pool of the set.
According to preliminary information, the operator in charge of this work would have generated a dangerous reaction when mixing chlorine with another unidentified compound, which triggered an explosion followed by a toxic cloud that quickly expanded through the recreational area.
«It seems that the man was mixing the product and generated a reaction that exploded. The same Piscinero was affected and produced an expansive cloud that contaminated the environment«, Captain Farfán said.
Those affected were valued by personal doctor and subsequently referred to healthcare centers of the neighboring municipality of Tocaima.
Among them are three minors. The authorities continue to monitor the place in the face of the risk of new complications, as the residential complex houses about 1,000 people.
In audiovisual records disseminated by the relief bodies, it is observed that the substance involved presented an unusual pink coloration and internal bubbles, which reinforces the hypothesis of an uncontrolled chemical reaction.
Testimonies collected in the place confirm that the explosion was powerful and generated panic among those present. “When they were dissolving it, there was the explosion. It exploded very hard”A witness said.
Emergency equipment remains in the area with ambulances and specialized personnel, while the evaluation of additional chemical risks is carried out.
The priority, according to firefighters, is to guarantee the health and environmental security of the inhabitants of the set and prevent possible prolonged exposure to toxic waste in the air.
#ATTENTION Captain Álvaro Farfán, delegate of the Fire Department of Cundinamarca, reported a massive poisoning for chlorine in a country team in the municipality of Ricaurte. There are 17 affected people, of which three are minors.
Apparently, the cause of … pic.twitter.com/BV2DMVRR17– Last Horachacol (@ultimahoracr) April 20, 2025
