KOTA KINABALU: Firemen came to the rescue of five men who were exposed to "toxic" fumes from rotting fish inside a container at a marine product processing plant in Sepanggar here.
The five, including a 23-year-old who lost consciousness, were evacuated from the container by the Fire and Rescue Department's Hazmat (hazardous materials) Unit.
A spokesman for the department said in a statement Sunday (March 26) the victims, aged between 19 and 38, were sent to hospital for further medical attention.
He said they received a distress call from a marine products company at 8.30pm on Saturday (March 25).
The Hazmat team led by Floyd Petrus Gasam went to investigate as the complainant said that the foul smell was overwhelming and could be toxic.
After a sweep of the area, the team found no hazardous substances and the operation ended at 10pm, the spokesman added.
All the victims were reportedly recuperating.
