Chemical Leak at Ulsan Plant Hospitalizes 16 in South Korea

A chemical leak at an industrial plant in Ulsan, a southeastern city in South Korea, led to the hospitalization of 16 individuals on Friday, according to local authorities.

Emergency services were alerted to a burning odor and the appearance of white smoke at a synthetic resin factory in Ulju County, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, around 10:15 a.m., as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The incident occurred during a test of a reactor containing 50 kilograms of epoxy, a chemical compound, when the reactor’s temperature unexpectedly spiked to 200°C, officials said.

In response, firefighters deployed 42 personnel and 16 fire engines to cool down the overheating reactor.

During their efforts, a 15-meter pipe near the reactor ignited but was extinguished within two minutes.

All plant workers were safely evacuated, but 16 individuals, including four trainees from a nearby business center, reported symptoms such as nausea and eye irritation. They were subsequently taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Authorities detected traces of toxic substances, including toluene and ozone, in the vicinity of the plant, although none were detected after the initial readings, officials confirmed.

An investigation into the precise cause of the leak is currently underway.

Image credit: Korea Times