Ten Workers Hospitalized After Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Hakodate Demolition Site

On Friday, 10 workers were taken to hospital after developing headaches and nausea while interior work was being carried out at a demolition site in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, according to the local fire authorities. The Hakodate Fire Department received an emergency report at about 9:05 a.m. local time that several people had fallen ill while carrying out interior work at the site, and the 10 people – men and women ranging from teens to 60s – complained of headaches and nausea and were transported to hospital. Some were unable to move without assistance, but all remained conscious, the fire department said. An engine‑powered high‑pressure washer was believed to have been in use at the site. Fire authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, suspecting possible carbon monoxide poisoning.