Two workers die, six injured by toxic fumes at Egypt food factory

Two workers tragically lost their lives and six others suffered severe breathing difficulties after being exposed to toxic fumes at a vegetable pickling factory in Egypt's Minya governorate, according to local media reports. The incident took place in Sheikh Alaa village when a female worker accidentally fell into a large concrete tank used for processing and pickling vegetables.

In a desperate attempt to rescue her, a male colleague also entered the tank, but both were overcome by the fumes in the confined space. Six additional workers rushed to their aid, but they too fell victim to the gases produced during the pickling process and the inadequate ventilation, resulting in respiratory difficulties. Some of the injured workers even jumped into the tank before being rescued.

The woman and her colleague succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the six injured individuals were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Preliminary medical examinations revealed that the fatalities were due to severe asphyxiation, leading to respiratory failure and subsequently cardiac arrest. Egypt's Public Prosecution launched an investigation into the tragic events, probing whether the factory adhered to occupational health and safety regulations. As of now, details about the condition of the six injured workers remain undisclosed.