Underground operation protective equipment can not be less

At 9:00 a.m. yesterday, Mr. Xu, a local citizen, reported an emergency situation involving a sewage pipeline renovation project near No. 19 Dongzhuang Road in Guangling District. Two workers were reportedly trapped underground and did not resurface during their work. Another two attempted to rescue them, but they also suffered from poisoning as a result.

During the investigation, the reporter observed that no protective equipment such as gas masks was used during the operation. This raised serious concerns about safety protocols in urban underground work environments, which urgently need improvement and regulation.

Accident Summary:

“I heard that two workers were working underground when they didn’t come up,” Mr. Xu said. He reported that at around 9 a.m., two workers were involved in dismantling a sewer pipe when they suddenly disappeared. The scene was alarming, with a strong, pungent odor coming from the well.

The reporter arrived at the location shortly after and found that the two workers had already been rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment. The well was approximately 56 meters deep, with some water remaining inside. A noticeable smell of toxic gases lingered around the opening. Ropes, ladders, and wooden planks used in the rescue were still visible at the site.

An anonymous worker mentioned that it wasn’t just two people who were affected — four workers showed symptoms of poisoning. “When the first two workers fell into the well, the others tried to save them, but they also ended up getting poisoned,” he said.

Rescue Efforts and Aftermath:

Two of the rescued workers were in mild condition, while the other two were hospitalized due to severe poisoning. Master Zhu, one of the rescuers, explained that when the smell of biogas or other harmful gases became noticeable, the team called for help. However, within minutes, the two workers fell into the well.

“After they fell, we shouted and pulled them down,” Master Zhu said. “We may have inhaled too much gas, and my condition is quite serious.” He added that he has over 10 years of experience in sewage pipeline projects and has seen similar incidents before. “Sometimes, people fall and don’t come back up. When they are rescued, they also collapse again.”

The hospital initially diagnosed the victims with gas poisoning. The incident has sparked renewed concern about the lack of proper safety measures in underground operations.

Lack of Protective Equipment:

When the reporter asked why no gas masks or protective gear were used, many workers avoided the question. Mr. Peng, a migrant worker with several years of experience in underground pipeline work, stated that he rarely sees anyone using a gas mask. “Even if there are masks, nobody wants to wear them, especially in the summer,” he said. He recalled a previous incident where a colleague was poisoned by biogas, though the situation wasn’t life-threatening.

Interviews with other construction workers confirmed this pattern. Most rely on basic tools like sounding instruments to check for gas levels before entering. If nothing seems wrong, they proceed without any protection.

Calls for Better Safety Standards:

Mr. Zhu, another experienced worker, emphasized the importance of following safety procedures. “In training, they always say that you shouldn’t go down blindly to rescue someone,” he said. “Toxic gases can cause unconsciousness quickly. If you don’t take precautions, you could end up in the same situation.”

He also warned that even ordinary people can be at risk. “If someone falls into the well, they might not survive. It’s often due to gas poisoning, and they can’t save themselves.” He cited a recent case where a 6-year-old child fell into a well and died later due to the accident.

Given these risks, Mr. Zhu urged authorities to conduct stricter inspections of underground work sites and ensure that all workers follow safety regulations. “These four people were lucky. If the rescue had been delayed, some might have died.”

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Copyright Statement: This article is a reprint of online media, and it only represents the author's point of view. It has nothing to do with this site. If news articles and comments infringe your legal rights, please call us and we will handle it in a timely manner.