Inhaling Toxic Gas For Mining Wells, Dozens Of East Acehnese Were Rushed To The Puskesmas

It is suspected that the poisoning of dozens of residents of Gampong Panton Rayeuk T, Banda Alam District, East Aceh Regency, was rushed to the Puskesmas (ANTARA).

Dozens of residents of Gampong Panton Rayeuk T, Banda Alam District, East Aceh Regency, were rushed to the local health center emergency department for alleged gas poisoning.

Head of the East Aceh District Health Office, Sahminan, said the dozens of residents experienced nausea, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

"Some residents were poisoned and referred to Dr Zubir Mahmud Hospital, East Aceh and some were handled at the Banda Alam Health Center," said Sahminan, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, September 25.

Sahminan said that information about a number of residents who entered the Banda Alam Health Center Emergency Room due to being inhaled by toxic gas occurred on Sunday (24/9) at around 18.30 WIB.

From the information gathered, the poisoned residents were Salbiah (40), Mawaddah (14), Irfan, Zahara, M Razi (15), Maryana Yusuf, (38), Asma, (55), Amirah, (48), Putri Maulia, (39), Maryana, (34), Efendi, Uska, Hendra.

The day before, six residents were also rushed to the Banda Alam Health Center, Saturday (23/9) at around 07.30 WIB, suspected of inhaling toxic gas. After being treated, his condition improved and allowed to go home,

The six residents who were poisoned were Habibi, 10, Mauliza, 20, Arif Maulidana, 15, Nursyahrini, 17, and Wahyudi, 26. All residents of Gampong Panton Rayeuk T, Banda Alam District, East Aceh.

Poisoning with the same suspicion is not the first time this mining ring area has occurred. Hundreds of residents also fled due to a foul odor allegedly caused by the washing of gas wells for oil and gas companies in the area.

Meanwhile, PT Medco E&P Malaka, an oil and gas company, stated that it was following up on reports from residents regarding the alleged smell around the area of operation that caused residents to experience gas poisoning.

VP Relations & Security of PT Medco E&P Malaka Arif Rinaldi said the company moved quickly and coordinated with local health agencies to ensure residents received intensive medical care and treatment.

"Some residents have been allowed to go home. The company has also dispatched a health team, work safety and environmental protection to the scene and provided health care to residents," he said.

Arif Rinaldi said the company and related agencies immediately identified the cause of the appeal. The company is currently carrying out maintenance activities for well facilities in the Alue Siwah gas field in an effort to maintain operational reliability.

"The company will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies to handle it optimally and hope for support from all parties so that it can be handled properly," said Arif Rinaldi.