Aquapark Reda chemical leak kills 39 fish, including sharks

A chemical accident at Aquapark Reda in northern Poland caused a chlorine gas leak that killed 39 aquatic animals, among them ten adult black‑tip reef sharks. The leak resulted from the accidental mixing of sulfuric acid and sodium hypochlorite in a reserve tank, releasing chlorine into the air‑intake system for the park’s aquaria.

The incident forced the evacuation of about 470 visitors, but no guests were injured. Aquapark officials, including spokesperson Krzysztof Król, said the water‑treatment system for the swimming pools was unaffected and that the park has passed all inspections and is now open again. The municipality has suspended cooperation with the private operator pending further review. "Robiliśmy wszystko, aby zapewnić im doskonałe warunki bytowe," the operator said, emphasizing the emotional impact on staff and animal caretakers.