Eight hospitalized from Gwangju subway construction site with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

An incident at a construction site for Gwangju Urban Railway Line 2 has led to eight workers being hospitalized, suspected of carbon monoxide poisoning. The accident occurred on the morning of May 29, 2026, at a site in Geumho-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju.

According to the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters, the workers began complaining of dizziness around 10:30 AM. Emergency services transported eight individuals, five foreign nationals and three South Koreans, to a nearby hospital. All are reported to be in stable condition and not facing life-threatening injuries.

At the time of the incident, 11 workers were engaged in finishing concrete surfaces underground. The three workers not transported to the hospital showed no specific symptoms. Investigations at the scene revealed carbon monoxide levels exceeding the standard limit of 30ppm.

Police and fire authorities are currently investigating the precise cause of the incident. They suspect that exhaust fumes from a generator accumulated in the confined underground space, leading to the high concentration of carbon monoxide. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.