ZHENGZHOU, (China): Five people died and three others were hospitalised after toxic gas erupted inside a factory restroom in the city of Hebi, Central China's Henan province, local authorities reported.
The incident occurred around 7am Monday (Sept 29) at the Hexin Chemical Industry Co Ltd in Shancheng district, when a sulfuric-acid storage tank was believed to have leaked, sending acid into the plant's storm-water system and then into a septic tank, where it reacted to produce hydrogen-sulfide gas.
One of the injured is in serious but stable condition, while the two others sustained minor injuries, the district's emergency management bureau said on Tuesday.
Operations have been halted, and all personnel have been evacuated from the site. A full investigation is now in progress. - China Daily/ANN
