Three persons fell ill yesterday morning after chlorine gas seeped out of a leaking cylinder at the GWI’s Water Treatment Facility at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara and drifted across the village’s squatting area, causing that section of the village to be evacuated.
The gas wafted across the squatting area around 5 am yesterday and most residents were roused from their sleep. Some started vomiting and panting for breath. A GWI employee who was exposed to the leak was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital as were two residents from the squatting area.
All three persons were discharged from the facility after being treated. One woman, Shelly Boodwah, stated that she was awakened from her sleep by her husband, who told her that he was smelling poison. Boodwah said she immediately began to vomit and she felt like her windpipe was closing up.
Baman Puran, 35, said he heard when the pump at the plant was turned on and there was a loud noise. He said he immediately rushed his family out of the house but collapsed on the way out. Puran was one of the persons who was given oxygen at the hospital.
The gas is used to purify water at the plant.
In a statement, GWI Public Relations Officer Timothy Austin stated that the gas leak was contained in the afternoon. He said a hazmat team located the leaking cylinder and took necessary action to contain the leak, which included burying the cylinder.
He advised that it was safe for residents to return to their homes.
Austin indicated that an immediate investigation was launched into the cause of the leak. The investigation, he said, is being supervised by Occupational Health and Safety Officer, GWI Christopher Cathro.
When Stabroek News arrived at the facility yesterday a fire service truck was in the compound and fire fighters were present.
“GWI expresses gratitude to members of the Guyana Fire Service and hazmat teams for their assistance,” Austin said, adding that GWI apologises to all residents of Better Hope and nearby environs and assures them that all actions will be taken to avoid a recurrence. He promised that more updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
