400 workers at Taiwanese-invested firm hospitalized after drinking water

Many of the about 400 poisoned workers remained in hospitals in central Thanh Hoa City for treatment and water samples have been taken for testing

Many of the about 400 poisoned workers from Taiwanese-invested shoe company Hong Fu Vietnam in central Thanh Hoa City are pictured lying on the ground while receiving treatment at Hop Luc General Hospital in the city on May 15, 2014.

The mass poisoning began early the same day when many workers showed symptoms of poisoning, such as dizziness, belly pains, vomiting, and fainting. They had drunk water at the company not long before.

The company had to call the provincial Department of Health for assistance and take the victims to some hospitals in the city, including Hop Luc General Hospital, when the number of workers experienced the symptoms increased rapidly.

Many of the poisoned workers had to lie on the corridors and the ground of Hop Luc, as the infirmary became overloaded with so many people admitted at the same time.

After receiving detoxification and intensive care, a number of patients recovered and were discharged from the hospitals in the evening the same day.

Many others who had been in a coma were getting better but they needed to stay in the hospitals for further treatment, doctors said.

The provincial health department has taken samples of the water for testing, and it has also rejected an assumption that someone had intentionally poisoned the workers. 

Hong Fu Vietnam is a joint venture with Taiwan that produces shoes for export.

The company began operation in 2011, employing more than 10,000 workers.

Source: tuoitrenews.vn

Collect by Nhu Ai SAPUWA