GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Four individuals were hospitalized Tuesday morning after a chemical spill occurred at Zehnder’s Splash Village, a popular water park in Frankenmuth. The incident, which took place around 11:20 a.m., prompted an immediate response from local emergency services.
The malfunction of the water park’s chemical feeding system is believed to have caused the release of a large concentration of chemicals into the facility. The Frankenmuth Fire Department confirmed that several people showed symptoms consistent with chemical exposure. While some of the affected individuals were treated on-site, four were transported to a nearby hospital for further medical evaluation.
“We are actively assessing the situation, and several individuals are being treated for exposure to the chemicals,” a representative from the Frankenmuth Fire Department said in a statement. “The Saginaw County Hazardous Materials Team is currently evaluating the air quality within the 30,000-square-foot area to ensure the safety of others.”
In response to the emergency, facility staff acted quickly to ventilate the area, working to clear out the chemical vapors and reduce further risk. The safety measures appear to have helped contain the incident, with no additional injuries reported.
Zehnder’s Splash Village, which opened in 2005, is part of a well-known chain of businesses run by the Zehnder family, including the famous Zehnder’s Restaurant. The water park and its adjacent hotel are popular destinations for both locals and tourists visiting the region.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the chemical release, Zehnder’s management has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. It is unclear at this time how long the water park will remain closed, though officials are prioritizing ensuring the area is safe before allowing visitors to return.
The investigation into the exact cause of the malfunction remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
