Gas Scare in Eskifjörður

34 people had to be rushed to the hospital in Eskifjörður due to hydrogen chlorine gas that was the result of a acetic acid being mixed with the chloride in the swimming pool in Eskifjörður. This resulted in drop of the acid level in the pool and the HCI gas that came resulted in a chemical compound with the water which is life threating. The mistake was fortunately discovered by workers in the vicinity. The reaction of local officals was efficient and a chopper and airplane with medical staff aboard left from Reykjavík to assist in the rescue effort. Four people were taken to the hospital in Reykjavik but their condition is stable. The cause of the accident is said to be an error in shipment. Acetic acid was delivered to the swimming pool instead of chlorine. mld