Mistaken for Water... 10 Hospitalized After Cooking Ramen with Oil at Campsite

10 Hospitalized in Gwangju, Gyeonggi After Consuming Paraffin Oil
Colorless, Odorless Fuel Easily Mistaken for Water

An accident occurred at a campsite where 11 visitors mistakenly boiled and consumed paraffin oil, confusing it with water during the cooking process. Of these, 10 people showed symptoms of vomiting and nausea and were transported to the hospital.

According to Yonhap News, citing an announcement from the Gyeonggi Province Fire and Disaster Headquarters, a report was received at around 5:10 a.m. on October 11 at a campsite in Namhansanseong-myeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, stating that "several people are vomiting after eating ramen."

The emergency response team dispatched to the scene confirmed that the campers had mistaken paraffin oil for water and used it to cook ramen. As a result of this incident, 10 people, except for one who showed no symptoms, were transported to the hospital. All were conscious, and it was reported that there is currently no threat to their lives.

At a campsite, 11 visitors mistakenly boiled paraffin oil, confusing it with water during the cooking process. Photo by Pixabay

Fire authorities are currently investigating the exact circumstances of the accident at the campsite.

Paraffin oil is a saturated hydrocarbon liquid obtained during the petroleum refining process. It is colorless, odorless, and has high viscosity. Because it produces less odor and soot than kerosene, it is widely used as fuel for camping lanterns, lamps, and torches.

Paraffin oil product image. This is a reference photo for better understanding and is not directly related. Screenshot from the purchase site.

However, since it is mostly distributed in transparent PET bottles, it can easily be mistaken for water in dark outdoor environments. It is important to always check the product manual or container label and store it separately to prevent confusion with drinking water or beverages.

Ingesting a small amount of paraffin oil can cause gastrointestinal disorders, while ingesting a large amount or aspirating it into the airway can lead to severe aspiration pneumonia. In such cases, the oily substance remains in the lung tissue, causing inflammation, and in severe cases, this can result in respiratory distress and lung damage.

A fire department official stated, "At campsites, do not store drinking water and fuel in the same type of container, and always attach a 'hazardous material' label to fuel bottles." The official also urged that in the event of inhalation or ingestion accidents, people should immediately call for help and receive emergency treatment at a hospital.