10 Injured After 400 Liters of Hydrochloric Acid Leak at Bucheon Factory

At around 12:42 p.m. on the 2nd, approximately 400 liters of hydrochloric acid leaked at a chemical factory in Naedong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, injuring 10 people, including factory workers. Fire authorities believe a container holding 1 ton of hydrochloric acid, which was being transported by vehicle, broke during transit.

The 10 injured, aged in their 20s to 60s, reported symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. Fire authorities transferred 7 people with severe symptoms to a hospital, while the remaining 3 received first aid at the scene.

Hydrochloric acid is a strongly acidic substance that can irritate the respiratory system and skin when leaked. Fire authorities neutralized the leaked acid using sodium bicarbonate and slaked lime, among other materials. The city of Bucheon sent a safety alert message to nearby residents at around 1:12 p.m., urging them to close their windows and detour vehicles around the area.

Fire authorities completed the neutralization work and handed the site over to the city of Bucheon. At around 2:26 p.m., the city measured hydrogen chloride levels across the area, confirmed the substance had been fully removed, and ended the response.

The Bucheon Ojeong Police plan to investigate factory officials, including a man in his 40s identified only as A, on charges of violating the Control of Hazardous Substances Act and causing bodily injury through occupational negligence.