Deadly Sulphuric Acid Leak in China

A massive sulphuric acid leak at a warehouse in northeast China has killed at least three people.

The official Xinhua News Agency said Saturday that the leak spread into areas surrounding Fangshen village in Liaoning province, preventing rescuers from approaching the area. It wasn't exactly clear when the leak occurred, and Xinhua said authorities were still trying to verify the number of dead.

Xinhua said the 2,000 cubic meters (2,616 cubic yards) of sulphuric acid leaked from a storehouse used by a family business. It did not give a cause for the accident, and local government officials reached by phone said they had no information.

Improper storage and transportation of explosives and dangerous chemicals is a frequent cause of deadly accidents in China.

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