CO2 leak kills 10 on bulker in Longyang Port, China

An accidental carbon dioxide (CO2) leak on a bulk carrier undergoing repairs in Weihai in Eastern China killed 10 people and injured another 19 on Saturday, May 25.

The CO2 had leaked from Jin Hai Xiang’s fire prevention system at around 16:00 local time while repairs were being carried out on the vessel in Longyan Port, the Weihai local government said in a statement.

The injured individuals have since received medical attention and are in stable condition.

Meanwhile, local police in Weihai have claimed that “relevant personnel” who were involved in the incident have been taken into custody.

A police investigator said that the leak was caused by failure of the ship’s crew to follow proper safety procedures.