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TRIADELPHIA - A chlorine leak at a hotel's indoor pool sent nine people, including three children, to local hospitals late Wednesday.

Firefighters and medics from both the Triadelphia and Valley Grove volunteer fire departments responded to the call at about 9 p.m. at the Comfort Inn at 675 Fort Henry Road, Triadelphia.

Fred Misenhelder, Valley Grove Fire public information officer, said the victims were in the pool area when they began to experience symptoms such as burning eyes, sore throat, nausea and vomiting after being exposed to the vapor. While he described these reactions as minor, he said fire and hazardous materials officials recommended the patrons seek medical attention.

"None looked serious. They were walking and talking, and the children were reacting normally," Misenhelder said.

He noted, though, that the hazardous materials guidebook states there could be delayed effects from chlorine exposure. Five people were transported to Ohio Valley Medical and four to Wheeling Hospital. Misenhelder believes the children's ages ranged from 1 to 4 years old.

Misenhelder said he did not believe the incident was related to power outages or weather conditions that left many homes and businesses in the local are without electricity Wednesday.

At press time, firefighters were using instruments to measure the amount of airborne chlorine still in the pool area and to find the origin of the leak. The original call, he noted, indicated the people were closest to a hot tub.