Two workers lost their lives and three others suffered injuries in the Jeonju manhole tragedy on Sunday morning, following the release of toxic gas at a local paper mill. The deadly accident occurred when one worker entered a manhole filled with paper sludge and lost consciousness, prompting others to rush in for help. Emergency responders received a distress call at 9:44 a.m., reporting that the initial worker had collapsed. Although rescuers managed to pull all five workers from the scene, two were already in cardiac arrest and later died in hospital. The incident has since triggered fresh concerns over industrial safety measures in hazardous environments.
Authorities stated that the manhole, located within the factory’s premises in Jeonju, was approximately three meters deep. The space reportedly contained noxious paper sludge, which quickly overwhelmed the workers. One man in his 40s, who was found inside the manhole, was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Meanwhile, two others, positioned on a nearby ladder, experienced dizziness and nausea, likely from exposure to residual gas. Medical teams admitted them for observation. Despite their proximity to the danger zone, they were fortunate to avoid more serious outcomes.
The Jeonju manhole tragedy unfolded when the initial victim descended into the confined space without respiratory protection. His colleagues, driven by instinct and urgency, followed him in an attempt to rescue him. However, they too succumbed to the toxic fumes within moments. Emergency crews arrived quickly, but they could not save the two workers who collapsed first. All five victims were confirmed to be South Korean nationals. Local police have opened an investigation into whether proper safety protocols were in place at the facility.
Moreover, officials are examining whether gas detectors or protective gear were accessible at the time. They are also scrutinizing the factory’s previous safety records. This particular site processes large volumes of paper, generating significant quantities of sludge, which can emit dangerous gases under certain conditions. Industrial experts have long warned that confined spaces such as manholes require strict adherence to ventilation and monitoring protocols. Unfortunately, incidents like the Jeonju manhole tragedy reveal ongoing gaps in enforcement and training.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who recently launched a presidential campaign, addressed the tragedy on his Facebook page. He expressed condolences to the families and extended sympathy to the victims’ loved ones. Han emphasized that protecting workers must become a top national priority. As South Korea gears up for a new election cycle, his comments may reflect broader concerns over labor rights and workplace regulation.
In the meantime, labor unions and safety advocates are calling for increased inspections and stricter penalties for employers who neglect safety protocols. They argue that many similar incidents could be prevented with routine training and proper equipment. Additionally, they insist that companies must not delay investing in technology to detect gas accumulation in real time.
Although the Jeonju manhole tragedy is not the first industrial accident of its kind, it underscores the persistent risks facing South Korean workers. Government agencies now face pressure to implement more rigorous safety oversight, particularly in industries that involve confined spaces. With the nation mourning another preventable loss, many hope this incident will finally lead to meaningful reform.
