LG Display factory nitrogen leak kills two in South Korea

A further four people were taken ill following the incident at the Seoul plant

(AFP/Getty)

At least two people have died following a nitrogen leak at an LG display factory in South Korea.

Another four were taken ill after the incident at the panel maker company’s plant north of Seoul.

LG Display said in a statement that the victims, employed by a LG contractor, were carrying out a regular repair and maintenance work when the nitrogen leak occurred not long after midday at the factory in Paju city.

It said one of those taken ill was in a serious but not life-threatening condition.

Nitrogen is colourless and odourless, making it very difficult to detect. It displaces oxygen, which can quickly result in asphyxiation.

The factory where the accident occurred, known as P8, manufactures LCD screens for large-size televisions.

The company expressed regret over the deaths.

It said it will cooperate with authorities to find out the cause of the leak.

Additional reporting by Associated Press