The daycare centre where two adults and five children suffered chemical burns after a hazardous substance was poured on a waterslide have expressed their “deep regret” over the incident.
Emergency crews were called to Kindercare on Ferry Rd in Woolston, Christchurch at 1.13pm after reports of a chemical incident.
Seven people were taken to hospital – five preschool-aged children and two staff.
A spokesperson for the centre said the initial indication is that children were potentially exposed to a chemical detergent normally used for the centre’s kitchen steriliser unit.
They said it appears it was mistakenly believed to be dishwashing liquid and poured on to a slide with water for the children’s “slip ‘n’ slide” activity.
“Kindercare is shocked that this incident occurred and children entrusted to our care were harmed.
“Our first priority now is to ensure the children receive the medical attention they need. We are supporting our families to keep them informed.
“We express our deep regret and acknowledge just how distressing this is to parents and families. Kindercare will also be ensuring our team members in hospital are receiving support and care.”
They said Kindercare was taking the incident seriously and would ensure a full investigation takes place.
An NZME reporter at the scene said paramedics were taking children wrapped in sheets out of the daycare building.
Other children were being wheeled out on stretchers.
Hato Hone St John said it was notified at 1.13pm of an incident on Ferry Rd in Woolston, and assessed 40 patients.
Seven patients were treated and taken to Christchurch Hospital. One was in a serious condition and six were in a moderate condition.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews were assisting Hato Hone St John with a “hazardous substance incident” in Woolston.
“Three trucks are currently on the scene.”
Police confirmed staff were “assisting St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand” at the incident, and cordons were in place.
At a news conference this afternoon, Fire and Emergency senior officer John Heriot said detergent had been misidentified and a “corrosive product” ended up being used on a slip-and-slide.
“This caused some irritation to the children’s skin and some light blistering, so we’ve just responded with our specialist Hazmat response along with our partner agency St John to resolve the issue.”
Heriot said the daycare was very helpful in its response.
“They gave us the safety data sheets for the product, as well as the containers to help identify and get a quick resolution.”
Hato Hone St John operations manager Chris Harrison said 40 patients were assessed. One of those injured was a teacher.
“These are chemical burns, and so they were able to be decontaminated here, and then we’ve been able to transport them through to Christchurch City Hospital.
“Two were injured but were only minor, so they’ve been left with advice to, if they need assistance later on, what they can do, and then the others have all gone home with their parents.”
Mother Nikita Wagstaff said her daughter suffered a small burn to her hand. It was “only little, and that could be considered a blister”.
She was told there had been an accident involving a chemical on the water slide, but she did not know what the chemical was.
Another parent said they heard the incident might have happened on the water slide.
“My heart was pounding, I was so scared, almost cried.
“I said, ‘That’s my son in there’, but I’m just glad he’s fine.”
They said no information had been communicated to parents from the daycare, but she hoped it would come through soon.
“I think they’re all frightened and scared – maybe, hopefully, on Monday.”
A grandfather picking up his grandson from the centre said his first instinct after hearing about the emergency was to come down and make sure he was all right.
“I was just concerned about him, and I said to my son that I would come and grab him. I only live across the road and have just finished work.”
He knew little about the youngsters needing medical attention, but said there were plenty of children running around in another area of the centre, who appeared quite happy and unaffected by the ordeal.