Mechanical equipment collapsed inside the indoor aquatics center this morning, injuring several people.
Around 9:50 a.m. today multiple callers notified Aurora911 that a collapse of the HVAC system occurred inside the pool area at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center located at 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd. A number of units from Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) were dispatched to the scene, including ladder trucks, engine trucks, and the department’s Technical Rescue Team whose members specialize in collapsed structures.
Eight firefighters from nearby Aurora Fire Station No. 16 were already on scene conducting training at the Gaylord property, working in the stairwells there. This allowed a quick response of highly trained paramedics and EMTs who went right away to the pool to assist patients.
At the time of the collapse it is estimated that 50-100 guests were inside the aquatics center. In total, six people were provided care by responders. Four of those patients had injuries that were not life threatening, and two of the patients had injuries that were life threatening. All six patients were transported to local hospitals. Aurora Fire Rescue will not provide updates on those patients, as care has been transferred to the hospitals.
While on scene, the AFR Technical Rescue Team ensured that their fellow firefighters had a safe environment in which to care for patients. There were still hazards present with the threat of ongoing falling debris and mechanical systems.
“I would like to share that the men and women of this agency train for this type of incident every day,” said Aurora Fire Chief Alec Oughton. “I am proud of their rapid and effective response in caring for our community.”