Key Takeaways
- A corrosive chemical was mistakenly used on a water slide at a Christchurch daycare, causing injuries to five children and two adults.
- The chemical was believed to be dishwashing liquid, but was actually a detergent used for the centre’s kitchen steriliser unit.
- Forty people were assessed at the scene, and seven were taken to hospital, with one in a serious condition.
- The daycare has expressed "shock" and "deep regret" over the incident, and is taking it seriously, with a full investigation to take place.
- The area was cordoned off, and the centre was put into lockdown, with parents and families informed of the incident.
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident occurred at a Christchurch daycare on Friday, when a corrosive chemical was mistakenly used on a water slide, causing injuries to five children and two adults. The chemical, which was believed to be dishwashing liquid, was actually a detergent used for the centre’s kitchen steriliser unit. The incident happened at the Kindercare Learning Centre on Ferry Rd in the suburb of Woolston, and emergency services were quickly called to the scene.
Response to the Incident
Emergency services responded to the incident at around 1.13pm, with 18 emergency vehicles, including nine ambulances, attending the scene. Forty people were assessed by ambulance staff, and seven were taken to hospital, with one in a serious condition. The others were decontaminated at the scene and either taken to hospital or sent home with their parents. The roads surrounding the daycare were closed, and the centre was put into lockdown, with parents and families informed of the incident.
Statement from the Daycare
The Kindercare Learning Centre has expressed "shock" and "deep regret" over the incident, and has stated that its first priority is to ensure the children receive the medical attention they need. The centre has also stated that it will be supporting its families and team members, and will be conducting a full investigation into the incident. The statement read, "Kindercare is shocked that this incident occurred and children entrusted to our care were harmed. Our first priority now is to ensure the children receive the medical attention they need. We are supporting our families to keep them informed. We express our deep regret and acknowledge just how distressing this is to parents and families."
Reactions from Parents and Witnesses
Parents and witnesses have expressed their concern and shock over the incident. A grandparent who was picking up their grandson from the centre said that their first instinct was to rush over after hearing about the emergency. A mother, Nikita Wagstaff, said that her daughter suffered a small burn to her hand during the incident, but that it was only minor. The incident has caused distress to many, and the daycare’s response has been to prioritize the children’s medical attention and support their families.
Investigation and Next Steps
The incident is currently being investigated, and the daycare has stated that it will be taking it seriously. The centre will be conducting a full investigation into the incident, and will be working to ensure that such an incident does not happen again in the future. The incident highlights the importance of proper safety protocols and procedures in place at daycare centres, and the need for staff to be properly trained and vigilant. The investigation will likely look into how the chemical was mistakenly used, and what measures can be taken to prevent such an incident from happening again.
Conclusion
The incident at the Kindercare Learning Centre in Christchurch is a disturbing reminder of the importance of safety protocols and procedures in place at daycare centres. The daycare’s response to the incident has been to prioritize the children’s medical attention and support their families, and to conduct a full investigation into the incident. The incident has caused distress to many, and it is hoped that the investigation will identify the causes of the incident and provide recommendations to prevent such an incident from happening again in the future.