Image Credit: The Asahi Shimbun Digital
This morning, a chlorine gas leak at Nakajima Tsuchiya Clinic in Hiroshima’s Naka Ward prompted emergency services to transport nine individuals, including staff, to a nearby hospital. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., as the clinic reportedly mixed dialysis drugs improperly, releasing the toxic gas, according to Japanese media.
According to reports from the Hiroshima City Health Center, the clinic was preparing for a dialysis procedure when the mistake happened. As a result, a noticeable chlorine-like odor was detected, causing several patients and staff members to feel unwell. The fire department quickly responded to a 119 emergency call, which detailed that people inside the clinic were experiencing symptoms consistent with chlorine exposure.
Medical Corporation Akane-kai Director Haruko Tsuchiya mentioned that triage procedures were executed, with some individuals able to evacuate on their own while others required wheelchairs and stretchers. An unnamed clinic personnel added that staff were instructed to use emergency stairs to move to a main hospital but did not recall smelling any chlorine.
The fire department, which confirmed the presence of chlorine gas inside the clinic, is actively investigating the precise cause of the leak. During the evacuation, staff and patients were moved to safety, and the affected individuals were transported to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment.
The Hiroshima City Health Center has emphasized that the incident was a result of an error in drug preparation, and the investigation is ongoing to prevent similar occurrences in the future.