The much-anticipated grand opening of the Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, Texas, took an unexpected and dangerous turn when 16 workers were hospitalized following a hazardous chemical incident. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, cast a shadow over the festivities at the new resort, a major addition to the popular waterpark chain.
What Happened?
On the day of the opening, a third-party contractor at the resort improperly mixed pool chemicals, resulting in a dangerous chemical reaction. According to Webster Fire Chief Dean Spencer, the contractor mistakenly combined sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, with sulfuric acid. These two chemicals, when mixed, can produce toxic fumes that are hazardous to health.
The chemical reaction took place in an isolated building separate from the main hotel and waterpark facilities. Despite the serious nature of the incident, officials confirmed that the dangerous chemicals were contained within this isolated area, and there was no threat to the guests or the operations of the hotel and waterpark.
Immediate Response and Hospitalization
The reaction prompted immediate action from the Webster Fire Department, which was quick to isolate the chemical tanks and monitor the area to ensure that no hazardous chemicals had spread to the main areas of the resort. As a precaution, 16 employees and contractors who were working in the immediate vicinity of the reaction were transported to local hospitals.
Thankfully, all individuals taken to the hospital were released the following day, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Great Wolf Lodge. The spokesperson emphasized that the safety and well-being of their guests and staff members are always their primary focus. The prompt response of the Webster Fire Department was crucial in containing the situation and preventing it from escalating further.
Impact on Resort Operations
Despite the incident, Great Wolf Lodge management was able to continue operations as planned. City officials confirmed that the situation had been quickly contained, and the environmental cleanup process began immediately. An environmental company was brought in to work alongside Great Wolf Lodge and the contractor to safely clean the chemical tanks and ensure the area was secure.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and pack members is always our primary focus,” the spokesperson for Great Wolf Lodge reiterated. The spokesperson also expressed gratitude to the Webster Fire Department for their swift and effective action, which allowed the resort to resume operations without further delay.
A Look at the New Resort
The Webster location of Great Wolf Lodge is the 22nd in North America and marks the second in Texas, signaling the company’s continued expansion in the region. The new resort boasts 532 guest rooms and features a massive 95,000 square-foot indoor waterpark, along with a 58,000 square-foot Great Wolf Adventure Park. These attractions are expected to draw in large crowds, especially families looking for a fun and convenient getaway.
While the grand opening of the Great Wolf Lodge in Webster was marred by an unexpected hazardous incident, the situation was handled efficiently, allowing the resort to continue welcoming guests without significant disruption. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols, especially in environments involving potentially hazardous chemicals.
The new Great Wolf Lodge in Webster is poised to become a popular destination, offering a mix of water fun and adventure that the brand is known for, all while maintaining a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of its guests and staff.
