Seven people including five children injured in this afternoon’s chemical incident at a Christchurch childcare facility have been discharged from hospital.

Emergency services were called to Kindercare on Ferry Road in Woolston at 1:15PM.

A Kindercare spokesperson said “the initial indication is that children were potentially exposed to a chemical detergent used for the centre kitchen steriliser unit, which was mistakenly believed to be dishwashing liquid and poured onto a slide with water for the children’s slip n slide activity.”

“All children were showered. Five children and two employees were taken to hospital.”

The centre was placed in lockdown, the area was cordoned off, and parents of the children involved were notified, as well as all other families at the centre.

Kindercare said “Kindercare is shocked that this incident occurred and children entrusted to our care were harmed.

“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.

Kindercare is taking this seriously and will ensure a full investigation takes place.”

Earlier, a father whose daughter was at the day care said “My daughter was playing on the water slide that someone had accidentally put some chemical on the slide.”

“We are lucky my daughter only has a couple of blister burns on her hand, but as a father myself, I had no idea this was happening as I was at a course and found out from missing all these calls and messages. Love and prayers to my daughter’s friends that were affected by this.”

A parent whose child was injured said “It was an absolute shock to receive that phone call. These teachers are amazing and everyone makes mistakes. I do not blame anyone and I have spoken myself to the teacher involved in all of this and she is beside herself with grief.”

She said “I would like it known that I have no anger towards anyone involved in this and he will remain going to this preschool until he goes to school next year.”

Kindercare said “We can confirm that all children and employees have now been discharged from the hospital.”

An Education Ministry spokesperson said, “We are in close contact with the early learning service and are offering our support. We will continue to work alongside them regarding the incident and take any necessary steps to ensure the wellbeing of children and staff.”

A WorkSafe New Zealand spokesperson said “WorkSafe is in contact with Kindercare in Woolston about today’s incident.

“We have opened an investigation and will attend the scene to gather evidence and understand the circumstances.”

Twenty emergency vehicles responded, including ambulances, rapid response units and operations managers.