Over 100 ill after ammonia leak in China

An ammonia gas leak at a pharmaceutical factory sickened more than 100 people today in northern China, state media reported.

An ammonia gas leak at a pharmaceutical factory sickened more than 100 people today in northern China, state media reported.

An initial investigation showed that workers failed to properly unload more than 50 tons of ammonia from a truck at the Chifeng Pharmaceutical Factory in Chifeng city in Inner Mongolia today morning, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

All residents within two kilometers downwind of the plant were evacuated and those exhibiting symptoms such as headaches, lightheadedness and respiratory problems were taken to a hospital, the report said.

Authorities have sealed off the leak and are testing the city's water supply for any ammonia contamination, Xinhua said.

Workplace accidents are common in China, where thousands die every year in part because of lax enforcement of safety rules and poor worker training.

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