A chemical spill at a public swimming pool in Kiryat Gat has left nine people with minor injuries, including several children. Around 100 litres of hydrochloric acid leaked into the municipal pool after a lorry driver incorrectly connected a delivery hose to the wrong outlet. Five of those affected were taken to Barzilai Hospital for medical assessment and treatment.

The incident occurred at the city’s main recreational pool facility, which serves as a popular destination for residents during the summer months. Emergency services responded quickly to the incident, and the pool has been closed pending a full investigation and decontamination process.

Authorities have launched an investigation into how the connection error occurred and whether proper safety protocols were being followed during the chemical delivery. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety procedures at public facilities that handle hazardous substances. Officials from Kiryat Gat municipality have not yet released a timeline for when the pool will reopen to the public.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.