Local YMCA evacuated due to chemical spill

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - More 100 people, including 40 children were evacuated from the YMCA in Lafayette this morning.

An employee raised the alarm when after smelling a strong chlorine smell. Dozens of employees and members were immediately evacuated. Fire officials said the cause of the potentially lethal leak was escaping chlorine vapors caused by an incorrect mixture of pool chemicals.

"When we got in to the building it was above ten to the point where in the room where it was spilled which is the IDLH of dangerous to life and health level, it was above that level. Pretty quickly it started to diminish," said fire chief Richard Doyle.

As a precaution four people were taken to area hospitals, all four have been released. The facility re-opened today at four this afternoon, after crews determined it was safe for people to return.

The area club was closed for several hours while crews worked to allow the chemical to dissipate.