Chemical explosion causes injury to employee's hand

City of Oconomowoc - More than 30 people sought treatment at  Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital after a small chemical explosion took place just before 9 a.m. in the laundry area of a local resort.

 A female Olympia Resort employee was in the laundry area of the hotel mixing chemicals, including chlorine, to do the laundry. There was a chemical reaction that resulted in an injury to the woman’s hand. She suffered multiple fractures, mild burns and some eye irritation.

 “Obviously, the chemicals were then airborne, so she was taken to the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital to be treated and to make sure there were no pulmonary issues,” said City of Oconomowoc Police Chief David Beguhn.

 The majority of the other patients were hotel employees, estimated to be about 32 or 33  in total, but did include some first responders. They complained of minor respiratory complaints and were treated and released.

The incident did not affect the guest area of the hotel.

The Waukesha County Haz Mat team was called to the scene aat bout 10 a.m. to help evaluate the best way to decontaminate the room.

The chemical explosion did not cause a fire, and there was no damage to the building.