Nine people were taken to hospital after a chemical incident at a public pool in Melbourne last night.

Firefighters were called to Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre in the city’s north about 6.15pm to reports of a gas smell inside.

When firefighters arrived they found 40 people impacted by the chemicals.

Paramedics arrived and took eight children and one adult to hospital for further treatment.

Six people were taken to Sunshine Hospital and three were transported to Royal Children’s Hospital.

All were in a stable condition.

Hazmat specialists from Fire and Rescue Victoria arrived on site for testing and found a positive reading for sodium hydrogen sulphate at the site.

The leisure centre was ventilated, and 200 people were evacuated.

By 8.16pm the centre was safe to re-enter.

WorkSafe and Victoria Police began investigating the incident.

“WorkSafe inspectors attended and are monitoring the workplace to ensure health and safety risks are adequately addressed,” WorkSafe said in a statement.

Swimming lessons had resumed this morning.

9News has reached out Hume City Council, but did not recieve a response.