Three workers were hospitalized on Monday morning after being exposed to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide during sewage maintenance work at a kindergarten on Powsinska Street in Warsaw’s Mokotów district.
The Incident on Powsinska Street
At 10:18 a.m., three employees were rushed to the hospital following an accident during maintenance work on an underground sewer system located on the grounds of a local kindergarten. While conducting the work, firefighters detected dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide in the area.
The situation began when two workers entered a manhole, while a third colleague remained on the surface. During the operation, sewage began flowing into the pipe, creating a hazardous environment.
Swift Rescue Operation
A worker from a different company, who was stationed above ground, heard cries for help and realized the men were in distress. He successfully pulled both men from the manhole; one was unconscious but maintained vital signs, while the second remained conscious.
Emergency services arrived shortly after, with 18 firefighters across four units and three medical teams responding. Measurements taken by the fire department confirmed hydrogen sulfide concentrations between 400 and 500 ppm. All three workers were hospitalized with symptoms of poisoning, with the third individual transported as a precautionary measure.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Firefighting operations concluded at approximately 11:00 a.m., and the police have since assumed control of the investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the work was being conducted by an external contractor and that the men may have entered the sewer without protective masks.
Authorities are currently determining the exact causes and circumstances of the accident. There is no reported danger to the public or children at the facility.
