Foreign worker dies after being buried by debris during incinerator repair at chemical plant

(CNA, Miaoli County, June 24) A workplace accident occurred at a chemical plant in Miaoli City during the repair of an incinerator by an outsourced contractor. A Thai migrant worker was buried by collapsing bottom ash and debris while working. He was trapped from the chest down and unable to move. After an hour of rescue efforts by firefighters, he was freed and taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead.

The Miaoli County Fire Department received a report at 10:26 AM today about a person trapped and requiring rescue at a chemical plant in Miaoli City, requesting rescue equipment and personnel. Three fire trucks and eight firefighters from the Special Search and Rescue Team, Touwu Branch, and other units were dispatched to the scene.

A Thai worker at the scene was buried up to his chest by a large amount of hard, stone-like bottom ash and mud, with only his head, neck, and left hand exposed. Firefighters used rescue equipment to carefully break apart and remove the mud that was crushing the victim. He was rescued and freed at 11:25 AM, but was already in OHCA (Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest). He was rushed to the Miaoli Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, but succumbed to his injuries.

The accident occurred in a small incinerator within the factory. Due to the age and cracking of the incinerator's firebricks, the plant had contracted out the work to re-lay the firebricks. Five workers entered the site today to excavate the bottom ash when the accident happened. The cause of the accident is still under further investigation. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150624

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