A leak of chlorine fumes from a Chinese chemical plant has left 164 people in hospital, according to state media. The incident, in a chemical factory in Yinchuan city in the north-west region of Ningxia, was blamed on a break in a rusty pipe, Xinhua news agency said.
The victims of the toxic fumes, which leaked from the plant late on Sunday, were said to be mainly children and elderly people who lived nearby.
The leak was under control on Monday, Xinhua said.
"Police received calls late Sunday night about people poisoned in a factory in Xixia district, where 210,000 residents live," Xinhua reported.
One person was said to be seriously affected.
Hospital employees told the Associated Press news agency that most of the victims were suffering from breathing problems.
Gas or chemical leaks blamed on poor construction or maintenance are not uncommon in China.
In March, some 15,000 residents were forced to evacuate after a leak from a gas well in the south-west of the country.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
