11 hospitalised after toxic gas leak in South Korea

SEOUL (AFP) – A toxic gas leak Tuesday at a chemical factory in South Korea left 11 workers hospitalised and forced the evacuation of residents living nearby, local officials said.

The incident occurred at a factory in the southeastern industrial city of Gumi, where a hydrochloric acid leak at another factory last September left more than 3,000 people seeking medical treatment.

Tuesday’s leak involved around one litre of chlorine gas and was contained within minutes, a city official told AFP, adding that it had been caused by a technical fault.

The factory was immediately evacuated, along with residents living close to the facility, while nearby roads were closed.

A total of 11 workers were taken to hospital complaining of difficulty breathing or eye irritation, a hospital spokeswoman said.

None appeared in serious condition and most would likely be released soon, she said.