2 workers die after inhaling toxic gas in factory in Jeonju
A manhole at a paper mill in the southwestern city of Jeonju, where two workers died from exposure to toxic gas is seen in this undated photo, provided by the Jeonbuk Fire Service. Yonhap
Two workers died and three others were hospitalized after inhaling toxic gas at a paper mill in the southwestern city of Jeonju, authorities said Sunday.
The authorities said they received a call at 9:44 a.m. that a worker fell into a manhole at the factory and lost consciousness from gas exposure.
Two workers were found collapsed near the manhole and were transported to hospital in cardiac arrest but died.
Another man in his 40s who was inside the manhole was rescued and taken to hospital. Two others who were on a nearby ladder complained of dizziness and were also hospitalized.
The authorities believe the accident occurred when one of the workers entered the 3-meter-deep manhole filled with paper sludge, prompting his colleagues to follow in an attempt to rescue him.
All five workers were South Korean nationals, according to the police.