Child hospitalized after chemical leak at VICO detergent plant in northern Vietnam

Pham Huy Nam, a resident of An Hai Ward, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday that his son, Pham Duc Viet, had to be hospitalized for tests and treatment after inhaling toxic fumes from the VICO plant.

Around 1:00 pm on Sunday, Nam’s family noticed a strong chemical odor coming from the direction of the factory.

Despite closing all doors and taking precautions, his wife and two children experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Viet later fainted and was taken to Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Nearby residents also reported health issues.

Tran Le Hang, 65, said adults around her suffered coughing, chest pain, and headaches, while two children in the neighborhood fainted.

“Company representatives came to meet with local residents after the incident, but we haven’t received any compensation,” she added.

The incident also caused widespread plant damage in surrounding homes.

According to a meeting record made at 1:45 pm on Sunday between the local neighborhood unit, VICO representatives, and residents, the leak occurred when a forklift accidentally punctured a chemical tank, causing it to spill and release fumes into nearby homes.

A Hai Ward official confirmed they responded promptly and recorded the incident.

VICO has accepted responsibility and promised to resolve the issue.

Nguyen Minh Hanh, director of VICO, admitted that a worker accidentally ruptured a chemical container.

“We’ve spoken with residents and are committed to preventing similar incidents,” the VICO leader said.

Hanh explained that the scorched leaves on trees were caused by evaporated chemicals settling on the foliage.

According to Hai Phong International General Hospital, Viet was diagnosed with sodium nitrite poisoning, which poses a risk of respiratory failure, fever, and fatigue, and requires hospitalization.

Residents said this is not the first time they have noticed chemical odors in the area, which caused eye irritation and breathing difficulties.

They voiced concerns about the potential contamination of air and water sources.

After a recent downpour, foamy white water filled the alleyways behind the factory.

“It felt itchy and slippery when we walked through it,” one resident said.