Seoul: Up to six individuals fainted after inhaling what appeared to be toxic gas at POSCO's Pohang Steelworks on Thursday, officials reported. The incident took place around 1:30 p.m. at the facility located in Pohang, which is situated 262 kilometers southeast of Seoul. At the time of the accident, contracted cleaners and POSCO employees were engaged in removing sludge outside a plant within the steelworks.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the sudden inhalation of the gas led to individuals losing consciousness, prompting immediate medical attention. The authorities are conducting investigations to determine the source and nature of the gas. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, ensuring that the affected individuals received prompt medical care.

POSCO's Pohang Steelworks is a significant industrial site, and incidents like these highlight the potential hazards associated with industrial operations. The company has yet to release a detailed public statement regarding the safety measures in place and any potential impacts on operations. Further updates are anticipated as investigations continue into the cause of the gas leak.