Gas leak downs 31 Zambo folk

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Suspected chlorine gas sickened at least 31 people, mostly children, here yesterday, authorities said.

The victims, including five adults, vomited and complained of dizziness, sore throat and severe stomach pain after inhaling gas that leaked from a cylinder at a local junkshop, said Dr. George Rojo at the emergency room of the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

Radio station RMN, quoting witnesses, said residents in Barangay Sta. Catalina were running away in panic, some falling to the ground after being overwhelmed by the acrid smell.

A radio reporter, Bhong Simbajon, himself fell unconscious when he rushed to the village to look into the incident.

Rojo said the patients would be confined at the hospital for about two days before officials declare the area safe.

City sanitary inspector Rogelio Bucoy said an initial examination indicated the gas probably was chlorine based on the yellowish crystals that formed on the metal cylinder that junkshop workers were forcing open.

Rojo said the regional disaster coordinating center would undertake a more thorough investigation. — Roel Pareño, wire reports