Five dead after toxic gas leak at chemical plant in China

A toxic gas leak at a chemical factory in central China has killed five people and left three others hospitalised, local authorities confirmed.

The incident took place on the morning of September 29 at the Hexin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. plant in Shancheng District, Hebi, according to state news agency Xinhua.

Preliminary investigations suggest the leak began when sulfuric acid escaped from a transit storage tank.

The chemical entered the facility’s drainage system and reached a restroom septic tank, where it reacted to produce highly poisonous hydrogen sulfide gas.

Officials said one of the hospitalised workers, who suffered the most serious exposure, is now in stable condition, while the other two sustained only minor injuries.

The district’s emergency management committee reported that cleanup operations at the plant have been completed and the site was fully evacuated.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances and causes of the accident.

By Tamilla Hasanova