Five workers were killed and three others injured after a toxic gas leak at a chemical factory in central China’s Henan Province, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred at Hexin Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. in the Shancheng District of Hebi City early Monday morning. Local emergency officials stated that the leak originated from a sulphuric acid storage tank, which ruptured and released acid into the plant’s stormwater drainage system.
The acid then flowed into a septic tank, where it reacted chemically to produce hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic and flammable gas. The resulting gas exposure occurred in a restroom area of the facility. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the leak was reported. Five individuals were found deceased, and three others were transported to a local hospital. According to the Shancheng District Emergency Management Bureau, one of the injured remains in serious but stable condition, while the other two sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical care.
Authorities have halted all operations at the chemical facility and ordered a full evacuation of personnel. A formal investigation into the cause of the leak is underway, led by district-level emergency management and environmental protection agencies. Hydrogen sulfide is known for its rapid and severe effects on the human body, particularly when inhaled in confined spaces. Exposure to high concentrations can cause respiratory paralysis and death within minutes. Chinese industrial safety protocols require specific containment and ventilation procedures when handling chemicals that produce such gases.
Hydrogen sulfide identified as cause of fatal gas leak
The Ministry of Emergency Management and other provincial authorities have been notified of the incident. Officials from Henan Province have dispatched technical experts to the site to support the ongoing investigation and assess environmental impact. Hexin Chemical Industry Co. is registered as a producer of sulfuric acid and related compounds used in manufacturing and agricultural processes. Company representatives have not issued a public statement as of Tuesday afternoon. The company’s website remained offline, and phone calls to its listed office number went unanswered.
According to the Hebi City Government, environmental monitoring teams have been deployed around the site to evaluate air and water safety. No secondary leaks or further contamination have been reported. Local authorities have not indicated any impact on surrounding residential areas. Industrial accidents involving chemical leaks have drawn heightened scrutiny across China in recent years. Regulatory agencies have implemented a series of measures aimed at improving workplace safety and emergency preparedness in the chemical sector.
Investigation focuses on containment system failure
Despite these efforts, several fatal incidents have occurred, prompting continued enforcement campaigns at both national and provincial levels. The Shancheng District government said it is coordinating with local hospitals to ensure adequate medical support for the injured and has initiated support measures for the families of the deceased. Additional updates will be provided following the completion of the preliminary investigation. The scene at Hexin Chemical remains cordoned off, and emergency crews are continuing monitoring and containment efforts. The investigation’s findings will determine any subsequent legal or administrative actions. – By Content Syndication Services.