【Accident Information】Poisoning incident of workers in Dezhou, Shandong while cleaning a large tank truck containing toxic gases

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On the morning of October 26, Li in Dezhou, Shandong, showed symptoms of poisoning while cleaning a sodium thiocyanate tank truck. Wang immediately tried to help him, but due to inadequate protection, he inhaled the toxic fumes and later collapsed on the ground along with Li. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the medical staff at Dezhou People’s Hospital, both individuals were brought out of critical condition. It is understood that Wang from Hebei is a truck driver, while Li from Dezhou specializes in \"cylinder cleaning\" work in the local area. On the morning of October 26, Wang drove a gas tank truck from Hebei to Dezhou, and then went to Li’s place to have the tank cleaned. Before cleaning, Li did not know what substance was contained inside the tank. He put on a gas mask and entered the 42-cubic-meter tank using a hose. During the cleaning process, Li gradually began to feel unwell and dizzy; then he fell into the tank with a thud. Upon hearing the noise, Wang rushed over to help, pulling Li out of the tank, but not long after, Wang also collapsed on the ground along with Li. It turned out that the tank truck driven by Wang contained sodium thiocyanate, and sodium thiocyanate produces hydrogen sulfide gas when it comes into contact with water. Hydrogen sulfide gas is a harmful and toxic gas that can cause asphyxiation and death; due to its high toxicity, it can lead to immediate death in those who inhale it. During the tank cleaning process, Li was exposed to toxic gases and suffered from poisoning as a result of a leak in his gas mask or other reasons, while Wang also suffered from gas poisoning while attempting to provide rescue, as he did not have any protective measures. According to Director Su from the emergency department of Dezhou People’s Hospital, the two patients were brought to the hospital covered in dust, experiencing convulsions, clenched jaws, and purple patches all over their bodies; they also showed extreme irritability. All over 20 medical staff in the emergency department were on site to provide full-scale rescue efforts for the patient. One hour later, both patients were out of danger. It is understood that due to the high toxicity of hydrogen sulfide gas, if the two patients were taken to the hospital too late or if emergency treatment was not provided in a timely manner, they could develop complications such as dementia as a result of severe brain damage. On October 31, the consciousness of both patients returned to normal, and their conditions gradually stabilized. However, as organs such as the lungs, heart, and brain have not fully recovered, continued hospitalization for observation is still necessary.