Indian national dies after inhaling chemicals while cleaning tanker

JOHOR BAHRU: An Indian national died and a local man is in critical condition, after they were believed to have inhaled chemical residue while cleaning a tanker at a vehicle washing centre at Jalan Seri Perkasa 1/1, Taman Tampoi Indah, here today.

Larkin Fire and Rescue station chief Deputy Fire Supt I Suhaimi Abdul Jamal said Magehindran, the worker killed was in his 40s, while the injured worker is S. Balamurali, 32.

He said 12 firefighters and a Fire Rescue Tender engine, an Emergency Rescue Medical Services (EMRS) vehicle and two Rapid Intervention Motorcycles were rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call at 9.58 am.

"As soon as they arrived, they found an unconscious victim and another man who was semi-conscious on top of an empty tanker.

"The tanker had previously carried Fatty Alcohol UN No.3082 which is widely used for detergents, and we believe that the victims inhaled the chemical residue as they were at the manhole of the tank," he said in a statement here, today.

The Indian national was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other victim was currently being treated at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital here. Another local worker, S.Thangamali, 34, did not sustain any injuries.

Suhaimi added that members of the Hazardous Materials team also conducted checks to ensure that the area was safe.

-- BERNAMA