5 Die From Methane Gas in Manure Pit

[Rhino]

5 Die on Virginia Farm From Deadly Methane Gas in Manure Pit
Tuesday, July 03, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. — Deadly methane gas emanating from a dairy farm's manure pit killed five people, including four members of a Mennonite family, authorities said.

Emergency workers speculate each of the victims climbed into the pit in a frantic attempt to rescue the others. "It was a domino effect with one person going in, the second person going after them," Sheriff Don Farley said....http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,287842,00.html

[Wolfcounsel]

Dang, people! At least have a garden hose nearby so that you can breathe through your mouths the next time you have to rescue someone from a methane pit.

[Gonzo67]

One word...

Lemmings.

"Hold on Clem! I'll save ya!"

[buzzthepug!]

What an awful story!

[DeclinetoState]

This story is kind of like what will happen to the country if everyone jumps on the Hillary Clinton bandwagon.

[DoctorDoom]

In industry that's called a confined space entry. It doesn't raquire crawling into an enclosure through a manhole. All it needs is a location where natural ventilation is impeded, allowing toxic fumes and gases to accumulate. Pits are deceptive. The wide open space above the head gives a dangerous illusion of safety.

Entry into a confined space requires a permitting process, and the entrant must be outfitted with a body harness or other mechanism to allow him to be extracted without going in after him. Any sign of physical distress requires immediate exit, forced or otherwise.

Absolutely nothing was done right here.