Paphos police are conducting a thorough investigation following a chemical incident at a hotel swimming pool in Geroskipou that resulted in the hospitalization of 26 guests. Two hotel employees have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Michalis Nikolaou, Assistant Police Director of Operations.
The incident occurred when toxic fumes from the pool affected guests, leading to their treatment at Paphos General Hospital. Among those hospitalized were 12 adults and 14 minors, including two boys aged 8 and 9 who were briefly detained but are expected to be discharged today.
The police are investigating allegations that a 28-year-old hotel employee responsible for pool maintenance poured 10 liters of various types of bleach simultaneously, causing a chemical reaction. Nikolaou noted that this employee, whose contract specified duties as a room caretaker, was not authorized to handle such chemicals. The 57-year-old supervisor is also under investigation.
Nikolaou stated that the standard protocol for pool maintenance does not involve such actions during operational hours. The incident was prompted by an urgent need to address low chlorine levels that had led to germ proliferation.
The investigation is ongoing, with additional scrutiny on the hotel management for potentially illegal employment practices related to the 28-year-old’s role.
( Source : Kathimerini Cyprus, CNA)
