Tragic Loss in Yunlin: Sewer Gas Poisoning Claims Lives at Food Factory in Taiwan

Investigations Underway After Two Workers Die in Preventable Incident

Taipei, Taiwan - A devastating incident at a food factory in Yunlin County has resulted in the deaths of two contracted workers, prompting a thorough investigation into potential safety violations. Local authorities suspect sewer gas poisoning as the cause of the tragedy.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) central service center announced on Monday that the factory and the outside contractor involved have each been fined NT$300,000 (approximately US$9,264). Furthermore, a criminal investigation has been launched to explore potential involuntary manslaughter charges.

According to reports, the two workers, brothers surnamed Huang (黃) in their 40s, were contracted to maintain the factory's rainwater recycling system. Their task involved pumping out water and removing gases from the system.

OSHA center Director Lin Tsung-wei (林聰偉) explained that the younger brother opened a manhole cover and inserted a water pump. This action is believed to have released a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas.

The younger brother reportedly lost consciousness due to inhaling the sewer gas and subsequently fell into the 2.65-meter-high and 1.2-meter-deep water pool. The older brother then attempted a rescue, entering the pool with a ladder, but also succumbed, likely due to gas inhalation.

The Yunlin County Fire Department confirmed that the brothers suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Director Lin highlighted several deficiencies in the factory's operations, including the failure to measure hazardous substances, the absence of ventilation equipment, and the lack of safety measures such as guardrails and safety belts.

The Central OSHA center determined that the food company had failed to fulfill its management responsibilities, leading to the fines. The water pumping operation has been halted, and both companies are required to submit improvement plans before work can resume.