TOKYO, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ten people were taken to hospital after suffering headaches and nausea at a building demolition site in Hokkaido Prefecture, northern Japan, on Friday, with carbon monoxide poisoning suspected, local fire authorities said.
A report was received by emergency services at around 9:05 a.m. local time that several people had fallen ill while carrying out interior work at the site in Hakodate City, according to the Hakodate Fire Department.
The 10 people, men and women aged between their teens and 60s, complained of symptoms including headaches and nausea and were transported to hospital. Some were unable to move without assistance, but all remained conscious, the fire department said.
An engine-powered high-pressure washer was believed to have been in use at the site. Fire authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, suspecting possible carbon monoxide poisoning. ■