Emergency declared after toxic fumes leak in Philippines

Manila: A chemical leak on a barge undergoing repairs killed three workers and prompted authorities to close schools and move to safety nearly 2,000 residents at a northern Philippine port, officials said on Wednesday.

The three men suffocated on Tuesday while repainting and fixing the docked barge in Batangas port south of Manila, said regional police director Rolando Anonuevo.

Three other workers were hospitalised while authorities temporarily moved about 2,000 people living nearby to a local school.

The gas was probably sodium hydrosulfide, a toxic chemical used in the production of paper and dyes and to process ores, said Philippine National Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon.

Mayor Ryan Dolor declared an emergency in the town, sealed off a 1 kilometre radius around the wharf and suspended classes.

Police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances and Red Cross personnel were on the scene as officials investigated the leak, he said.

Police summoned the owner of the barge for questioning.