Saskatoon

Toxic gas at Bessborough Hotel sends 2 people to hospital

The Saskatoon Fire Department says chlorine and muriatic acid were mixed, creating toxic chlorine gas.

Chlorine and muriatic acid were mixed, creating chlorine gas

Police cars and hazmat vehicle
The Saskatoon Fire Department said in a news release that it received a report Friday of people being injured by the accidental mixing of chlorine and muriatic acid. (Albert Couillard/CBC News)

Chlorine gas created by the accidental mixing of chemicals at the Bessborough Hotel at Spadina Crescent and 21st Street in Saskatoon sent two people to the hospital Friday afternoon.

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) said in a news release that it received a report at around noon CST about the accidental mixing of chlorine and muriatic acid, which creates chlorine gas. A hazmat team responded and the contaminated area was evacuated.

"The release of chlorine gas was contained and the hazmat crew began to ventilate the area," SFD said in the release. 

The condition of the two people who were taken to hospital is unknown. 

fire department
The SFD’s hazmat team at the Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon. (Saskatoon Fire Department)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aishwarya Dudha is a reporter for CBC Saskatchewan based in Saskatoon. She specializes in immigration, justice and cultural issues and elevating voices of vulnerable people. She has previously worked for CBC News Network and Global News. You can email her at aishwarya.dudha@cbc.ca