Apparent Gas Leak Kills Hong Kong Worker And Firefighter Attempting Rescue

HONG KONG (AP) -- An apparent methane gas leak killed two Hong Kong men - a worker overcome by fumes inside a manhole and a firefighter who tried to rescue him early Wednesday, officials and local media said.

Five other firefighters became ill during the rescue effort and were hospitalized in stable condition, officials said.

Television footage showed the two bodies covered in mud as they were pulled from the manhole.

Cable TV reported that the men were suspected of inhaling methane, but Fire Services Department spokesman Tony Leung said the cause of their deaths was still being investigated.