The State Council of China on Wednesday reported seven cases of leaks of lethal chemical products in the past week, which claimed a total of 21 lives across the country.

People evacuated from a rural Beijing area to escape a hydrogen cyanide gas leak returned home Wednesday.

The accident happened at about 7:00 p.m. Tuesday when hydrogen cyanide gas leaked from waste liquid in a gold smelting factory in Beijing's suburban district of Huairou. Eleven people were poisoned during the leakage. Three people died and eight others were hospitalized. One is still in serious condition.

To ensure the safety of local residents, the local government evacuated all 210 people living or working within two square kilometers from the spot Tuesday.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Source: Xinhua