Factory toxic gas leak in central China, two injured

A chemical factory in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region reported a toxic gas leak Thursday, injuring two people, according to local authorities.

Liquid ammonia leaked into the air after a transfer tube cracked, exposing a ten-centimeter fissure. The accident occurred when the ammonia was being transferred from a truck to a storage tank in Helan County of the provincial capital Yinchuan at around 6:30 p.m., said the municipal emergency response officers.

Following the leak, a pungent odor could be detected in the air one mile from the site. "I couldn't open my eyes and then felt dizzy," said Zhu Fangfang, whose airway was harmed after inhaling the fumes.

Later, the victims of the gas leak were reported to be out of danger."The two injured people are fine now," said Gao Zhihu, head of the county People's Hospital.

The liquid ammonia was used for the food refrigeration units at Yishunyuan Agriculture Industry and Trade Co., Ltd.

Police are investigating the incident.

Source:Xinhua