AceShowbiz - At least five employees at Disneyland were hospitalized following exposure to an "unknown odour" that caused widespread illness backstage at the park.

The incident occurred around 12:30pm on Tuesday near the Star Tours attraction, where workers began experiencing symptoms such as minor pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Emergency services, including officers from the Anaheim Police Department, responded quickly to the scene amid reports of a potential hazardous materials (hazmat) situation at the popular California theme park.

Five Disneyland employees were transported to a local hospital for further medical evaluation, while several others received treatment on site from paramedics. Importantly, no park guests were reported to be affected by the incident.

A spokesperson for Disneyland informed NBC News that the reaction was caused by materials used by a contractor backstage. As a precautionary measure, nearby onstage areas were temporarily closed and cleared of visitors to ensure their safety.

Guests were also evacuated from adjacent rides. Among the attractions closed were Space Mountain, Space Mountain Bathrooms, and the upper level of Star Wars Launch Bay. These closures were implemented while the situation was assessed and contained.

Star Tours, the location where the issue originated, is a 3D motion simulator ride that takes visitors on immersive Star Wars adventures. It opened in May 2013 and is situated in the Tomorrowland section of the park, which also houses Space Mountain, Astro Orbitor, and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

This incident follows a separate controversy involving a visitor who was asked to leave the park over her attire. Summer Robert, a content creator from Glasgow, Scotland, shared her experience of being reprimanded by staff at Disneyland due to her clothing.

Robert, who has a medical condition called macromastia resulting in exceptionally large breasts, said she was left feeling "humiliated" after being told her outfit was inappropriate. She explained that she has R cup breasts weighing approximately 30 kilograms, which makes it difficult to find clothing that fully covers her chest.

According to Robert, a male employee initially approached her to inform her that a complaint had been made about her clothing. When she questioned what was wrong, he indicated there was nothing inappropriate but acknowledged the situation with a laugh.

Shortly after, an older female staff member confronted Robert, insisting she cover up with a sweatshirt or leave the park. Despite the 30°C heat and her inability to provide a sweatshirt, Robert was told she needed to purchase one from the Disney store or exit the premises.

Feeling targeted and followed by staff, Robert described the incident as a deeply humiliating experience caused by her medical condition rather than any actual dress code violation.

The recent hazmat event and the controversy involving visitor treatment highlight ongoing challenges faced by Disneyland in maintaining guest and employee safety as well as addressing inclusivity concerns within the park.

Park officials continue to investigate the source of the hazardous materials exposure and are taking necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring the wellbeing of all who visit and work at the iconic California attraction.