Thirteen individuals have been hospitalized for respiratory symptoms following a suspected chemical incident at M Club Spa and Fitness on Festival Way, Stoke-on-Trent, prompting the gym’s evacuation, authorities confirmed.
On Tuesday evening, several visitors to the gym reported feeling unwell, leading to the evacuation of the premises, as confirmed by local police. The affected individuals were subsequently treated for respiratory issues at Royal Stoke University Hospital, according to a statement from the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).
Simon Evans, Chief Operating Officer at UHNM, assured that all thirteen patients received prompt and effective treatment upon arrival at the hospital.
West Midlands Ambulance Service responded to the incident, attending to four addresses in Stoke-on-Trent from 20:25 BST on Tuesday. Two individuals, including a man and a teenager, were transported to the hospital, while two others received treatment and were discharged at home. Additional individuals made their own way to the hospital for medical assistance, as confirmed by Staffordshire Police.
Following the evacuation of the gym at approximately 22:30 BST, authorities initiated an investigation into the incident. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service conducted preliminary safety assessments, which revealed no immediate health and safety concerns.
In response to the incident, M Club Spa and Fitness announced the closure of the gym on Wednesday for further investigation, citing “unexpected events” from the previous evening. The management assured members of ongoing updates regarding the reopening of the site and confirmed the normal operation of its Newcastle-under-Lyme branch.
The gym’s statement conveyed apologies for any inconvenience caused by the closure, reaffirming its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its members.