Sulfuric Acid Vapor Cloud Sends 30 to Hospital

An aerial view of the 304 Industrial Park on Thursday night where sulfuric gas was leaked from a factory

PRACHINBURI More than 30 residents of Prachinburi’s Si Maha Phot district were hospitalized Thursday night by a factory chemical spill.

A factory belonging to Sunshine Biotech International released large clouds of sulfuric acid into the air which spread to the neighboring households, sickening those inside.

Many suffered from skin rashes, had difficulty breathing and vomited blood. They were sent to Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, according to police Col. Narat Rattanajinda.

Advertisement

About 100 angry residents protested at the factory located in the 304 Industrial Park on Thursday night, demanding its closure. They said it was not the first time the corrosive gas leaked.

Advertisement

Whether the factory is closed or faces any legal sanction depends on the outcome of a meeting Friday morning in which the provincial governor participated.

According to its website, Sunshine Biotech is a joint venture between Thailand and China that manufactures citric acid.