On the morning of July 19, in the area of Hoang Tung Pumping Station, Thuc Phan ward, Cao Bang province, an accident of gas poisoning occurred while cleaning a water tank, killing one person and injuring three others.
Information from Cao Bang Provincial Police, a group of 4 people used gasoline engine pumps to pump mud and clean water tanks.
Because the tank is a closed space, exhaust gas from the engine does not escape, accumulating to reduce oxygen concentration, causing people working inside to suffocate.
Upon receiving the news, the Fire and Rescue Police Department (PCCC and CNCH) of Cao Bang Provincial Police mobilized forces and specialized vehicles to the scene.
After surveying and assessing the scene, functional forces quickly deployed rescue measures, approached the reservoir area to bring the victims out, and coordinated with medical forces to organize emergency care.
The accident killed Mr. T.V. Q. (born 1988). Three victims including Mr. N.K.L. (born 1984), Ms. P.T. M. (born 1989) and Ms. N.P. T. (born 1994) were taken to a medical facility for emergency and treatment.
According to functional agencies, the use of generators and pumps running on gasoline and oil in restricted spaces such as water tanks, tunnels, sewers, wells or deep holes poses a very high risk of unsafety.
Emissions from engines, especially CO (carbon monoxide), can quickly accumulate in a closed environment, causing oxygen deficiency, causing exposed people to lose consciousness and directly threatening their lives.
Through the incident, the Fire and Rescue Police Department of Cao Bang Provincial Police recommends that people absolutely do not use generators and gasoline and oil-powered pumps in closed or ventilation-deficient spaces.
Before going down to work, it is necessary to organize ventilation, check oxygen and toxic gas levels (if there is equipment), and at the same time equip fully with protective equipment, seat belts and arrange external supervisors.
Functional forces also noted that when detecting people suffocating in closed spaces, people should not voluntarily go down to rescue if they do not have specialized protective equipment because there is a risk of becoming the next victim.
