More than 60 tourists intoxicated in the pool of their hotel in Benahavís (Málaga)

More than 60 tourists were hospitalized after suffering chemical poisoning from a hotel pool in Benahaví, a coastal town in Málaga province, Spain. The incident occurred over the weekend, with emergency services receiving multiple calls reporting symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and general discomfort among affected guests. According to initial investigations, the poisoning was linked to a malfunction in the pool’s water treatment system. The root cause appears to be an electrical fault that triggered a surge in the differential circuit, leading to a failure in the pressure pump responsible for injecting chemicals into the pool. This disruption caused improper levels of chlorine and pH in the water, which likely contributed to the toxic exposure. Additionally, other harmful gases continued to release into the air, exacerbating the situation for those present. Emergency responders were dispatched to the hotel following reports from several individuals requiring medical attention. Some victims received care directly at the facility, while others had to be transported to the University Hospital Costa del Sol in nearby Marbella. The hospital confirmed the admission of multiple patients, though specific numbers have not been disclosed publicly. The affected hotel is located within a residential complex along the Costa del Sol, a popular tourist destination known for its luxury resorts and beaches. Authorities from the Andalusian regional government have confirmed their involvement in the investigation, emphasizing the need for thorough checks on the pool's maintenance procedures. Officials have not yet commented on whether the incident will lead to legal action against the hotel management or the company responsible for maintaining the pool equipment. Local health authorities are conducting tests on water samples taken from the pool and surrounding areas to determine the exact nature of the contaminants involved. These findings could influence future safety protocols for public pools in the region. Meanwhile, the hotel has reportedly suspended access to its pool area until further notice, pending the outcome of the ongoing inquiry. Residents and visitors in the area expressed concern over the incident, with some questioning the adequacy of safety measures in place at similar facilities. A local resident who lives near the hotel stated that they were unaware of any prior issues with the property’s pool systems. Others noted that the area has seen a rise in tourism in recent months, raising questions about the capacity of existing infrastructure to handle increased visitor numbers safely. The incident has prompted discussions among local officials regarding the need for stricter oversight of recreational water facilities. While no official statements have been made about potential regulatory changes, several community leaders have called for more frequent inspections and better communication between property managers and health departments. Health experts warn that chemical imbalances in swimming pools can pose serious risks to swimmers, particularly if not properly monitored. They emphasize the importance of regular testing and maintenance to prevent such incidents. In this case, the combination of an electrical fault and subsequent chemical imbalance created conditions that led to widespread illness among tourists. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who visited the hotel during the time of the incident to seek medical evaluation if they experience lingering symptoms. The regional government has pledged to provide updates as new information becomes available, including details on the status of those affected and the results of the ongoing forensic analysis.