China – 131 Hospitilized by Shangdong Chemical Leak

China – 131 Hospitilized by Shangdong Chemical Leak

A diketene leak at a chemical plant in eastern Shandong Province has sent 131 people to hospital, local authorities said today.

Some 30 kg of diketene leaked on June 21 from Beichen Biotechnology Co., in Shenxian County. As of 6 p.m. on Monday, 131 locals, including 43 children, had been admitted to hospital.

According to the county government, 11 people had checked out by today and those who remain in hospital were stable. A preliminary investigation shows that the leakage was caused by negligence.

Officials with the county’s environmental bureau said the company has been ordered to close permanently.-Xinhua