Sixteen residents from six houses in Kampung Baru, Butterworth were rushed to the hospital on Sunday due to mercury spillage at their homes.
Kepala Batas Fire and Rescue Department senior assistant superintendent Abdul Aziz Yusuff told The New Straits Times that the children of the occupants found the mercury near their residential area, and brought it back to their homes.
The mercury then spilled in one of the houses, forcing the residents to evacuate from their homes.
The victims are currently still being warded, but are in stable condition, said Abdul Aziz.
“A team of 26 firemen, including hazardous material (Hazmat) personnel from the Kepala Batas, Perai and Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue stations had been carrying out cleaning work since this morning (Sunday),” he was quoted as saying.
He also added that they are still investigating the matter, including how the children got hold of the mercury and who left it unattended in the residential area.
