Workers cleaning a waste tank at the Hyundai Steel factory in Incheon suddenly collapsed, resulting in one death.
According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters and police on the 6th, at 11:02 a.m. that day, a worker reported to 119 that seven workers, including Mr. A (34), were found collapsed while cleaning a waste treatment tank at the Hyundai Steel factory in Songhyeon-dong, Dong-gu, Incheon.
As a result of the accident, Mr. A was transported to the hospital while receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a state of cardiac arrest but died. Six other workers, including Mr. B (46), are also receiving hospital treatment for symptoms such as consciousness impairment and breathing difficulties.
Workers collapsed at the wastewater treatment facility of Incheon Hyundai Steel Plant [Photo by Incheon Fire Headquarters]
Investigations revealed that Mr. A and others belonged to an outsourced cleaning company and suddenly collapsed while cleaning the waste treatment tank. It is known that they were removing hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid sludge (residue) remaining in the tank without wearing gas masks at the time.
The police believe that Mr. A and others suffocated due to an unidentified gas during work and are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.
A police official stated, "We are considering requesting an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to determine the cause of Mr. A's death," adding, "We are analyzing the substances inside the tank to confirm the cause of suffocation."
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