Mainichi Daily News
Thursday, October 7,
1999

2 die of asphyxiation at waste plant

FUKUOKA - Two workers died and one was in critical condition on

Wednesday after they collapsed from a lack of oxygen while
working at an industrial waste disposal facility in Chikushino, Fukuoka Prefecture, police said. A fourth worker, who also collapsed in the facility, recovered later and was released from the hospital.

The two victims were identified as Masahiro Yamaguchi, 49, and
Chikashi Hata, 23. Yoshiyuki Haraguchi, 50, was still unconscious and remained in a serious condition at the hospital.