Suspected Highly Toxic Chemical Spill: 'Suhanhwa Tetramethylammonium'
On the afternoon of the 13th, a chemical spill accident occurred at LG Display Plant 8 in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. [Provided by Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters]
[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] One additional minor injury was reported in the chemical substance leak accident at the LG Display factory in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, which occurred on the afternoon of the 13th.
Initially, six injured persons were reported, including seriously and minor injured. The final count of casualties from the accident was two seriously injured and five minor injured, totaling seven. Notably, the two seriously injured who had lost consciousness have fortunately regained consciousness and are receiving treatment.
According to the Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters, the chemical leak accident occurred around 2:20 p.m. at LG Display’s 8th factory in Deogeun-ri, Wollong-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi Province.
As a result of the accident, two people including A (40) inhaled toxic gas and sustained serious injuries, while two others including B (36) suffered first-degree burns on the right limbs and both hands respectively. The remaining three, including C (41), sustained respiratory burns and are undergoing treatment.
The chemical substance leaked that day is presumed to be highly toxic 'tetramethylammonium hydroxide,' known as a colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor.
About 20 minutes after the accident, LG officials reportedly took emergency measures to block the chemical leak and provide first aid to the injured.
The fire authorities deployed 12 pieces of equipment and 38 personnel, completing the gas leak containment operation around 2:45 p.m., about 25 minutes after the incident, and cleaned up the accident site.
The police and fire authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident by questioning witnesses at the scene and LG officials.
Meanwhile, LG Display stated in a press release after the accident, "LG Display immediately took all necessary measures to prevent secondary damage by shutting off the related chemical valves and activating emergency ventilation."
The 8th factory where the accident occurred is known as the second-built factory during the establishment of the LG Display complex, producing model-specific panels.
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