China: 12,000 people evacuated due to gas leaks

More than 12,000 people living in southwestern China were evacuated after a gas leak occurred. Experts are currently studying the plan to seal the leak after an unsuccessful attempt on the morning of December 24.

Cao Yaofeng, vice president of China Petrochemical Group and experts from Beijing, came to the leak in Sichuan province to prepare for a second leak attempt.

The incident occurred at 7 pm on December 21 at Qingxi gas well, Xuanhan district. About 3 hours later, emergency personnel burned gas at 4 locations around the leak to reduce the level of harm from the gas well.

More than 12,000 people living in 8 nearby villages have been evacuated to a safe place and no casualties have been reported.

According to environmental officials, tests show that the released gas does not contain harmful components for humans. Xuanhan is one of China's important natural gas supply facilities. The county has begun pouring huge amounts of capital to exploit its rich gas resources.

Gas leak is burned to reduce the level of danger
(Photo: Xinhua, TTO)

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