Toxic gas kills two, seven hospitalised

Chamikara Weerasinghe and M T M Hanasi, Malwana special corr

Two workers of Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery died after they accidentally inhaled toxic gas from a leaking pipeline being repaired at the refinery yesterday.

Seven others were rushed to hospital following the incident.

Colombo National Hospital Director Dr Anil Jasinghe said the patients were treated at the Colombo National Hospital, Kiribathgoda and Ragama Teaching Hospitals. One persons who was critical was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, he said.

The incident took place around 3 30 pm.

The gas leak was brought under control by sealing the pipeline, sources at the Oil Refinery said.

The persons affected by the gas leak were working in Zone No 1 at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery, they said. Some were treated at the medical centre within the refinery premises.