Toxic fumes kill 3 barge workers

MANILA, Philippines - A chemical leak on a barge undergoing repairs killed three workers and prompted authorities to close schools and move to safety nearly 2,000 residents in Bauan, Batangas Tuesday night, authorities said.

The three men – identified as Jhunel Almogera, 40; Charmeil Allego, 23; and a certain Waray, 45 – suffocated while repainting and fixing the docked barge in the Bauan port, police said.

Three other workers were hospitalized while authorities temporarily moved about 2,000 people living nearby in Barangay Sta. Maria to a local school.

The gas was probably sodium hydrosulfide, a toxic chemical used in the production of paper and dyes and to process ores, the Philippine National Red Cross said.

Bauan Mayor Ryan Dolor declared an emergency in the town, sealed off a one-kilometer radius around the wharf and suspended classes.

Police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances and Red Cross personnel were on the scene as officials investigated the leak, he said.

Police summoned the owner of the barge for questioning.

Police said a number of tin cans containing a chemical mixed with marine paint were found on the barge.

The cans bore labels that stated “Harmful to inhalation when mixed with steel” and “Do not breathe vapor, will cause suffocation.” – AP, Arnell Ozaeta, Ed Amoroso, Mayen Jaymalin and Evelyn Macairan