Chlorine poisons 130 people in Qiqihar
( 2004-01-16 17:01) (Xinhua)
Seven mystery jars of
chlorine have caused the poisoning of 130 local residents of Jianhua district in
Qiqihar city, northeast China's Heilongjiang province.
All the victims are being treated in hospital and six are described as
severely ill with vomiting and breathing difficulties. The others were out of
danger and would leave hospital Friday, according to the local disease control
center.
The first aid center of Qiqihar started receiving calls from the Gaotou
village at about 6 p.m. Thursday, with reports of people falling ill.
A preliminary survey showed that seven unsealed jars containing chlorine at a
pit near the village caused the poisoning, but the owners and origins of the
jars were unknown, said investigators.
The local government has sealed the jars and environmental officials are
monitoring the situation near the site. Further investigations are underway.
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