A Boksburg hotel was evacuated after chemical smoke filled the hotel’s washing area, paramedics said on Monday.
ER24 spokesperson Werner Vermaak said paramedics received a distress call from the Birchwood Hotel in Northrand road in Boksburg at about 10am.
”About 18 employees of the hotel were washing linen in the designated wash area when smoke started to fill the area,” said Vermaak.
It is believed that hydrogen peroxide had reacted and given off a chemical smoke.
Employees and hotel guests were evacuated to a safe area outside the hotel where a medical station was set up. The area was declared safe by the local fire department.
Vermaak said 18 of the employees were treated for burning skin, eyes or throats and taken to a nearby hospital.
According to paramedics, the most hazardous reaction to the smoke was probably burning throats as this could cause severe breathing difficulty if not treated.
A pregnant employee was among those treated on scene.
She was taken to hospital in a stable condition and would be assessed by doctors.
The fire department was called in to clear the area of smoke and chemicals. — Sapa