by: Rodrigo S. Victoria
NAVAL, Biliran, June 20 (PIA) – Eight workers of the Biliran Geothermal Incorporated (BGI) were hurt in a gas poisoning on Thursday, June 19, at the geothermal project site in Barangay Cabibihan in Caibiran town this province.
The eight BGI workers were hurt due to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) poisoning based on a document released from the emergency room of the Biliran Provincial Hospital (BPH) where they underwent immediate medical treatment.
The document also showed that the eight workers were exposed to H2S poisoning at around 2:20pm to 3:00pm.
All of the victims showed signs and symptoms of difficulty of breathing, and dizziness while three also experienced vomiting and another one with altered consciousness, the medical report revealed.
The victims were Honey Roy Romero, 28 years old from Atipolo, Naval; Victor Rosario, 37 years old from Cabibihan, Caibiran; Nolan Maceda,55 years old from Antipolo City; Armando Licop, 55 years old from Tandang Sora, Manila; Lee Marvin Moran,40 years old from Palo, Leyte; Johaines Smari Pararinsson,41 years old ; Kevin Kasler,49 years old and Thorstein Sigmarsson, 47 years old, all from Zitieze, Iceland.
Source from the BPH informed that Romero and Kassler were airlifted to Cebu City for further medical treatment while Moran was transported to a hospital in Ormoc City while the rest were confined at the BPH.
As of press time, the source further said all of the victims of the toxic gas poisoning are now in stable condition. (PIA 8 Biliran)