Al lado de la fábrica donde murió una trabajadora el año pasado se midió una concentración letal de gas, la policía investiga

Authorities in Croatia are investigating after high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas were detected near the industrial facility of Orada Adriatic on Kukuljanov Street in Rijeka. The discovery comes amid growing concerns over potential health risks posed by the toxic gas, which can be lethal in high doses. According to Željko Linšak, director of the Educational Institute for Public Health in the Primorsko-Goranska County, extremely dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide have been measured in the sewage system close to the company's premises. These levels are described as potentially life-threatening and have also been recorded in the surrounding air.

The measurements were conducted following reports from local residents about a strong, unpleasant odor in the area. In response, firefighters, police, municipal workers, and other relevant authorities arrived on-site to investigate. Linšak confirmed that the readings indicate very high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, which can seriously harm human health. He emphasized that these levels are classified as lethal and that the presence of the gas has been noted even in the ambient air around the site.

Firefighters from the Rijeka Fire Department, led by Hinko Mance, and Davor Grbelja, head of the maintenance service at the Water Supply and Sewerage Company, both confirmed the elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide. They stated that their teams had conducted tests on-site and coordinated with the Water Supply and Sewerage Company to measure the gas concentration. Grbelja added that the police and water authority had been informed about the incident to prevent any risk to people in the area. He mentioned that repeated measurements showed slightly lower levels than earlier in the week but still above permissible limits.

The Police Administration of Primorsko-Goranska County confirmed they are conducting investigations into the matter. While they did not provide further details, they indicated that the police are currently performing inquiries as part of a criminal investigation. This follows previous incidents involving the company, including a fatal poisoning incident in December 2024 when a young employee died due to exposure to gases in the plant. At that time, fifteen other employees were hospitalized after being exposed to ammonia and hydrogen sulfide fumes inside the factory. According to the company’s statement at the time, the incident occurred in the administrative section of the building.

Orada Adriatic’s director, Ivan Gligora, denied any direct connection between the company and the appearance of hazardous gases. He stated that during cooperation with the relevant inspections and firefighters, no clear technical link was found between the company and the occurrence of unpleasant smells. Gligora explained that the company does not perform cleaning of the sewage systems themselves, as this work is contracted out to specialized companies. He added that measurements taken within the company's premises showed results below legal limits and that the company cannot comment on results outside its operations since it has no influence over them. He emphasized that the company is socially responsible and takes all necessary actions to ensure compliance with regulations.

Residents in the area have raised concerns about the persistent bad smell, prompting multiple calls to emergency services. The situation has reignited discussions about safety standards and environmental monitoring around industrial facilities. Local officials and public health experts stress the importance of thorough investigations to determine the exact source of the hydrogen sulfide and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The findings could lead to stricter regulations or increased oversight of industrial activities in the region. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of nearby communities and preventing any further health risks associated with hazardous gas emissions.