Thousands treated in S Korea toxic leak

07 October 2012 | 21:47 Code : 1907707 Latest Headlines

Media reports say more than 3,000 South Koreans have been forced to receive medical treatment after a major toxic chemical leak near the southeastern city of Gumi last month.

The report published by Yonhap and other news agencies said that nearly 3,200 people have been so far treated for nausea, chest pain, rashes, sore eyes or sore throats for apparently inhaling toxic fumes after an explosion at the factory of chemical maker Hube Global on September 27.

The blast at the Gumi National Industrial Complex in the North Gyeongsang Province, 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Seoul, occurred when factory workers were trying to unload hydrochloric acid.

The estimated damage from the explosion has also increased to 17.7 billion won ($15.9 million) from 9.4 billion won previously reported, report added.

Some 300 villagers at Bongsan-ri and Imcheon-ri near the plant were evacuated to temporary shelters after complaining of health risks, with some reporting blood in their saliva.

"We decided to move because the government overlooked us and did not come up with countermeasures," the head of Bongsang-ri,- Park Myeong-Seok said.

However, some 1,200 residents remain in the villages near the factory as a team of 26 government officials and experts conduct a three-day probe to gauge the severity of the situation. The result of their investigation is expected on Monday.