Hydrochloric Acid 5.5t Leak at Ulsan Bibong Chemical... Residents Complain of Breathing Difficulties

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] On the 17th, an accident involving the leakage of hydrochloric acid occurred at Bibong Chemical, a specialty chemical distribution company located in Ulju-gun, Ulsan City, resulting in nine nearby village residents experiencing respiratory difficulties and being transported to the hospital.

According to the Ulsan Fire Headquarters, around 12:50 AM on the same day, approximately 5.5 tons of hydrochloric acid stored in a tank at Bibong Chemical in Hwasan-ri, Onsan-eup, Ulju-gun, leaked.

The fire authorities sealed the cracked area of the tank to stop the leakage and carried out containment operations such as transferring the spilled hydrochloric acid to another location. Safety measures were completed at around 5:13 AM, about 4 hours and 20 minutes after the accident occurred.

The leakage was investigated to have been caused by an unidentified crack near the external flange of the tank.

There were no casualties at the leakage site, but after 7 AM, 119 received reports that residents of a village near Bibong Chemical were complaining of respiratory difficulties and nausea. Nine residents from this village were transported to the hospital and are receiving treatment.

The Ministry of Environment measured the concentration of hydrochloric acid around the accident site but found no detectable levels. The Ministry has issued a suspension order for the operation of the accident facility and is investigating the detailed circumstances and the possible connection to residents' harm.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.