The family of a man critically injured after being overcome by gas at a NSW paper mill is trying to stay positive as he clings to life in hospital.
Thomas Johnson, 22, remains in a critical condition at Albury Base Hospital, five days after the gas leak which killed his two colleagues at Norske Skog mill at Ettamogah, north of Albury.
In a statement issued through the hospital, Mr Johnson's family said the 22-year-old remained on life support but was "trending in the right direction".
"We are hoping for a positive outcome, however, we are acutely aware that this is a very rare condition and that things can change very rapidly," the family said.
Lyndon Quinlivan, 35, and Ben Pascall, 28, died in the hours after the incident on Thursday, which forced the evacuation of 150 workers and resulted in dozens being taken to hospital.
Tributes have been flowing for the two men on social media.
"My thoughts and prayers to your family. You were an amazing man and friend. Taken way too soon from your beautiful children. RIP Lyndon," one wrote on Mr Quinlivan's Facebook page at the weekend.
Mr Pascall's sister, Eliza, thanked friends and family for their support as they dealt with the tragedy.
"I want to say how important your continued support is, for me, my family and most importantly my brothers' beautiful partner. My beautiful big brother, I love so much," she posted on Facebook.
SafeWork NSW inspectors are still at the scene as they try to determine the cause of the incident, a spokesman told AAP in a statement on Tuesday.
Initial investigations indicate the men were exposed to hydrogen sulfide - a colourless, extremely hazardous gas with a 'rotten egg' smell.
SafeWork NSW will be preparing a report for the coroner.
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