Society

27 students hospitalized after chlorine gas leak

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-18 18:59

GUIYANG -- Chlorine gas leaked from a chemical plant has hospitalized 27 students in Southwest China's Guizhou province, the local government said Saturday.

The students, from Yuantian Primary School near Zunbao Titanium Plant in Tongzi County, were sent to hospital after they complained of nausea, stomachache and chest distress Friday, the press office with the county government said in a statement.

It said a total of 106 students and other children living near the factory sought medication, but most of the patients were not in serious condition and were allowed to go home Saturday morning.

The 27 serious cases are under observation at three local hospitals.

A preliminary investigation showed the plant had discharged excessive chlorine gas due to an equipment failure during its trial operation at 11:10 am Friday.

A county government spokesman said Saturday the plant had been closed and the local environmental authority was monitoring the air quality, though no chlorine had been detected in the air yet.