A sulfuric acid leak Sunday morning in central China's Henan Province claimed one life but was successfully brought under control with no more injuries and no serious pollution reported, said sources with the county government.

 

The accident that occurred at 5:20 a.m. Sunday when a tank car carrying nine tons of concentrated sulphuric acid turned over into a ditch near Duanzhuang village, Dushu town of Fangcheng county.

 

All the concentrated sulphuric acid leaked into the ditch and the driver was severely burned and later died from the highly caustic chemical.

 

An emergency response team was organized with both the county party chief and the head of the county going to the scene.

 

Eight tons of quick lime and high-pressure water were added to neutralize the sulphuric acid.

 

By 7:00 Sunday evening, all nine tons of the sulphuric acid was basically neutralized with no more injuries or pollution reported.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2004)