UK Waterpark Evacuated After Swimmers Suffer ‘Nausea And Eye Irritation’

The popular UK leisure park Waterworld was evacuated today, 8 June, after a number of visitors were reported to be suffering from 'eye and throat irritation and nausea'.

Eight ambulances and three fire engines were seen by eye-witnesses as they gathered outside the Festival Park attraction.

An air ambulance was also spotted landing behind the nearby Best Western Plus hotel, while police officers also arrived and have since warned members of the public to avoid the area.

Taking to Twitter, Stoke-on-Trent Police said: "We are in attendance at #Waterworld, Festival Way, in #Stoke-on-Trent. Visitors have reported eye and throat irritation and nausea.

"The building has been evacuated. The emergency services have the incident in hand and urge members of the public to avoid the area."

West Midlands Ambulance Service also confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: "We have a number of ambulances & specialist resources at Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent with @StaffsFire @StaffsPolice.

"We're assessing a number of people who report feeling unwell. Please avoid the area to allow 999 staff to deal with the incident."

Right now it's unclear what the cause of the symptoms could be and how many people were affected, but no doubt more information will become available as the emergency services deal with the situation.

Anyone who might have information or concerns about the incident have been urged to call the police on 101.

Speaking to Stoke-on-Trent Live, a police spokesperson sent a lengthier statement which reads: "We are currently in attendance at Waterworld, on Festival Way.

"Colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics are also at the scene following reports of a number of visitors feeling unwell. Visitors have reported eye and throat irritation and nausea.

"The building has been evacuated as a precaution. The emergency services have the incident in hand and urge members of the public to avoid the area. We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time."

The Midlands-based Waterworld is said to be the UK's top tropical indoor aqua park, attracting 400,000 visitors each year. 

LADbible has contacted the West Midlands Police and Waterworld for further comment.

Featured Image Credit: Waterworld/@OFFICIALWMAS/Twitter

Topics: UK News, Theme Park

Daisy Phillipson

Daisy graduated from Kingston University with a degree in Magazine Journalism, writing a thesis on the move from print to digital publishing. Continuing this theme, she has written for a range of online publications including Digital Spy and Little White Lies, with a particular passion for TV and film. Contact her on [email protected]

@DaisyWebb77