Workers die in 'gas' tragedy at Abu Dhabi steel plant
Two men died after reportedly inhaling deadly gas at an Abu Dhabi steel plant.
A supervisor who tried to save the pair is in a serious condition in hospital after also inhaling hydrogen sulphide, a source who treated the injured man told 7DAYS.
All three were found collapsed in a saltwater reservoir at a production plant in the Mussafah area of the city.
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A supervisor who tried to save the pair is in a serious condition in hospital after also inhaling hydrogen sulphide
It seems the men were not aware that they needed to wear breathing apparatus to work in the reservoir. A spokesman confirmed the company is investigating the circumstances of the incident. The tragedy occurred on Monday when an Asian worker was doing maintenance work in the reservoir, which stores saltwater that is desalinated and used in the steel-making process.
It is believed he may have disturbed the saltwater at the bottom of the tank, causing an eruption of hydrogen sulphide, which is a highly toxic gas. It can be found in stagnant seawater, especially if it contains sewage, oil and other pollutants that mix with it in the sea.
The source said it appears the worker passed out and fell into the water. Another south Asian worker tried to rescue him but was overcome by the gas.
The supervisor rushed to help but also fainted.
sean@7days.ae
Comments
by Yamna
Wednesday, May 30 2012, 3:28PM
“condolences to the families of the workers! RIP!
We really need more attention to be given to safety!”
by Sifora Ashroff
Wednesday, May 30 2012, 11:26AM
“Such a terrible thing !”
by Mishmumkin
Wednesday, May 30 2012, 11:23AM
“Shameful that we're still reading about these sort of safety-related incidents. Makes you wonder what other environmental disasters are out there.”
by Joel Villanueva
Wednesday, May 30 2012, 11:01AM
“sad to hear! we must all be careful in work!”
by Musharaf Zameer
Wednesday, May 30 2012, 10:51AM
“Another futile casualty for not having proper safety rules been implemented on work sites...this really needs immediate action...my thoughts are with the families”
by Sana Pervaiz
Wednesday, May 30 2012, 10:32AM
“Poor people.Their families will be going through a very hard time. RIP and my condolences to their families”
by Musharaf Zameer
Wednesday, May 30 2012, 8:43AM
“another futile casualty, we need to be getting really strict on safety rules and its implementation here...my thoughts are with their families”
by zlatko1536
Wednesday, May 30 2012, 8:05AM
“Condolences to the families of the two workers who lost their lives. God help the supervisor towards a full and fast recovery, he's a HERO!”