HVAC Equipment Collapses On Pool Injuring 6 People

Jul 31, 2023

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Several individuals sustained injuries on Saturday when HVAC equipment collapsed at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora. Although two individuals suffered life-threatening injuries, the Aurora Fire Rescue stated that the investigation into the collapse will be conducted by the resort. According to the agency, six people were injured, with two of them taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Aurora Fire Chief Alec Oughton informed the press during a news conference following the incident that the Gaylord’s management team would be responsible for the investigation. He emphasized that it was not a fire department investigation but rather an in-house investigation by the resort to establish what had occurred and find answers.

A resort guest informed news outlets that the resort was evacuated after a fire alarm was activated. The witness saw an injured child receiving medical attention on the pool deck. They observed that the equipment that had collapsed seemed to be a pool duct.

The witness recorded videos of the injured being treated at the indoor pool deck. Another individual stated that they had been told by resort staff that there had been a ventilation failure and that there were at least two victims.

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Trevor Spykerman, a 12-year-old resort guest who was at the scene of the incident, reported that the collapse lasted about 15 seconds and described it as happening in slow motion. He saw no one injured during the collapse but observed a man with red marks on his back shortly after the incident. The resort staff and lifeguards immediately responded, followed later by paramedics, and evacuated the building.

Fire Chief Oughton said that the initial call for a structure collapse was received at 9:50 a.m., with some units already on the scene doing training inside the hotel and were the first to respond. The pool area had between 50 to 100 people at the time, and there is currently no indication of what led up to the incident. The Gaylord Rockies management and the fire department are conducting investigations into the incident. There is no current threat of a future collapse.

Featured Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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In Delray Beach, Florida, a horrifying incident has shocked the community. William Lowe, a 78-year-old man, is currently in jail, accused of murdering his 80-year-old wife, Aydil Barbosa Fontes. The gruesome crime involved dismembering her body and placing the remains in three suitcases before disposing of them in the Intracoastal Waterway.

The discovery of the suitcases occurred when one of the employees of Swordfish Pool Care, a local pool company owned by Jacob Grozier, stumbled upon one of the suitcases while servicing a pool. Grozier’s co-worker was shocked to find human remains in the suitcase, and they immediately notified Grozier, who was only two blocks away at the time. The sight was horrifying, with the suitcase covered in flies and emitting a terrible smell according to accounts Grozier gave reporters. Using a pool pole, they managed to open the suitcase and get a closer look at the gruesome contents.

The police were called immediately, and the investigation began. Grozier and others in the community initially speculated about the possibility of organized crime involvement due to the dismemberment, but they were unaware of the full extent of the horror that had taken place.

According to the probable cause affidavit, witnesses reported seeing a man near the water multiple times, appearing to look at a suitcase in the water. When questioned, the man claimed to be waiting for a large boat to arrive.

William Lowe was subsequently arrested on August 2, 2023, and charged with first-degree murder and abuse of a dead body. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Lowe’s attorneys asserted his innocence, stating that he would plead not guilty and prepare for the trial.

The entire community, including Grozier, remains in disbelief over the heinous crime that occurred in their midst. The discovery of body parts floating in the serene waters of the Florida ocean is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk in unexpected places. The tragedy has left the neighborhood shaken and seeking answers as they await the legal process to unfold.

Featured Photo Credit: Hotpot.ai

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In a surprising announcement, the Mansion Entertainment Group revealed plans for a massive $2 billion theme park and resort, set to grace the heart of the Midwest. The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort is scheduled to open its gates in 2026, sprawling across a vast 1,000-acre expanse in the northeastern city of Vinita, Oklahoma.

With 125 acres dedicated to the amusement park itself, the development promises an experience comparable in size to renowned attractions like Florida’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in California. The park aims to envelop visitors in an enchanting Americana-themed environment, offering a plethora of entertaining rides, captivating live shows, engaging family attractions, and picturesque waterways. Moreover, guests can expect top-notch restaurant-quality food and beverage offerings to savor during their visit.

“We feel like this project will be a gamechanger for tourism in not only Northeast Oklahoma but the entire region,” said Kristy Adams, a sales and marketing executive for the development team. “We have already met with several tourism partners and are excited to start promoting this addition to the great state of Oklahoma.”

Central to the park’s charm are “six distinctly American lands” that will transport visitors to unique settings within the vast landscape. Beyond the amusement park, the American Heartland will encompass additional features to ensure a memorable stay. A lavish 300-room hotel, along with an indoor water park, will provide ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure. Furthermore, the resort will offer an adjacent 320-acre RV park and a charming 300-cabin campground aptly named Three Ponies, catering to all types of guests seeking an immersive experience in nature.

To guarantee a truly magical creation, the park’s design team includes over 20 experienced Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers, renowned for their talent in crafting captivating attractions. Additionally, design firms with a proven track record from major amusement parks such as Six Flags and Universal Studios have been brought on board.

Anticipation is high, as developers foresee the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort attracting an impressive two million visitors annually. The highly anticipated theme park planned to open in 2026 is set to emerge as a formidable rival to the esteemed Magic Kingdom Theme Park in Orlando and Disneyland in California. Steven Hendrick, the Executive Producer of American Heartland, shared these exciting details about the park’s grand vision.

Hendrick provided a glimpse into the park’s six distinctive areas, each promising a captivating experience. Liberty Village will evoke the charm of a classic American small town, while the Great Plains will pay homage to the region’s heritage, incorporating “Native American traditions and stories.”

For those seeking adventure, Bayou Bay will immerse visitors in a swamp-themed setting with an exhilarating boat adventure. On the other hand, Big Timber Falls will offer a rugged, forest-like encounter, showcasing an authentic slice of American wilderness.

Stony Point Harbor will capture the essence of a coastal town, complete with mouthwatering fresh seafood and a captivating lighthouse attraction. To ensure a seamless experience, the harbor will house the Stony Point Inn, a splendid in-park hotel boasting 300 luxurious rooms.

A journey through American innovation awaits visitors in Electropolis, where the park will delve into the rich history of groundbreaking inventions and technological advancements.

Beyond the thematic areas, a delightful array of rides, attractions, and shows will further enrich the park’s offerings, catering to visitors of all ages.

Hendrick expressed the belief that Oklahoma serves as the perfect setting to epitomize the essence of the American heartland, and he emphasized the positive relationship between the project and state leaders. The American Heartland theme park promises to be a mesmerizing destination that will draw guests from far and wide to celebrate the spirit of America and its diverse cultural tapestry.

Oklahoma state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom echoed the excitement, affirming that the park’s establishment will undoubtedly bring considerable benefits to the state. The CEO of American Heartland, Larry Wilhite, exuded delight in choosing Oklahoma as the ideal location for this exciting family entertainment destination, emphasizing the state’s central position at the heart of the heartland.

As the years roll by, the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will undoubtedly become a beloved landmark, drawing families and thrill-seekers from all corners of the country to experience the magic of the Midwest’s newest attraction.

Featured Photo Credit: Mansion Entertainment Group

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The North Providence Pool and Fitness Center has been closed until further notice due to an apparent chlorine explosion that occurred last week.

According to North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi, the initial belief among residents was that the explosion might have been caused by an earthquake. Reports of the building rumbling and lights flickering added to the confusion.

As a safety precaution, the building and adjacent library were quickly evacuated while authorities conducted their investigation. Although the library has since reopened, the pool and fitness center will remain closed indefinitely.

The investigation eliminated an earthquake or natural gas leak as potential causes. Instead, it was revealed that the explosion resulted from a buildup of chlorine gas underground. This dangerous accumulation of gas had reached a critical point, unleashing the explosive force that wreaked havoc on the facility.

The destructive impact of the explosion was evident, as the force propelled the hot tub approximately 4 feet into the air, leaving behind a void in the floor. The building’s walls also bore the scars of the blast, with visible cracks snaking through the structure.

As the investigators continue to assess the extent of the damage, their primary concern is to ensure the safety of the public. The pool and spa had been drained and were out of commission at the time of the explosion, but authorities could not help but express concern that the outcome of this incident might have been dramatically different had they been in operation at the time.

The reopening of the North Providence Pool and Fitness Center remains uncertain at this time, as the investigators diligently work to mitigate risks and ascertain the full scope of the destruction. Mayor Lombardi emphasized that the priority is the safety of the community, and it could take a few weeks or more before the building can safely accommodate visitors again.

Such explosions involving chlorine are uncommon, but they serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in pool facilities. While such incidents may be rare, they underscore the critical importance of adhering to robust safety protocols and regular maintenance procedures.

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