In the southwestern city of Jeonju, on May 4, authorities reported that two workers lost their lives and three others were hospitalized due to inhaling toxic gas at a local paper mill. The incident was first reported at 9:44 a.m. when a worker fell into a manhole and subsequently lost consciousness from gas exposure, as per Yonhap news agency.

Upon arrival, responders found two workers collapsed near the manhole. They were rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest but unfortunately did not survive. Another worker, who was inside the manhole, was rescued and taken to the hospital in a semiconscious condition. Additionally, two other individuals who were on a nearby ladder reported feeling dizzy and were also hospitalized.

Authorities suspect that the incident occurred when one worker entered a 3-meter-deep manhole filled with paper sludge, prompting his colleagues to attempt a rescue.

All five individuals involved were identified as South Korean nationals, according to police reports. The precise cause of the incident is still under investigation, as police and fire officials work to verify the identities and circumstances surrounding the accident.

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who recently announced his presidential candidacy, expressed his condolences to the victims and extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families through a post on his newly launched Facebook page.