A toxic chemical leak, which was caused by an overturned truck on Sunday in south China's Guangdong Province, has not caused any casualties, according to local environment protection authorities.

A tanker carrying more than ten tons of cyclohexanone, a flammable oily liquid which is often used as an industrial solvent, overturned after colliding with another truck at around 6 AM on Sunday in Fogang County. The toxic chemical spilled into a nearby stream.

The two injured truck drivers are receiving treatment in hospital and are both stable, said Fan Zhiming, deputy director of the county's environment protection and construction office.

Cyclohexanone is usually colorless and it can cause skin, respiratory and neural damage to the human body so the county government has informed local residents not to use the tap water, said Fan.

Investigations showed that the water in the Pajiang River and Sijiu River, the county's major tap water source which is less than 5 km from the site, had not been contaminated.

"The water supply for more than 3,000 residents living in Tangtang town, where the accident happened, was resumed at Monday noon after a 30-hour suspension," said Fan.

Rescuers used a large quantity of water to dilute the spill and they also used sand and mud to prevent the water-cyclohexanone mixture from flowing into the main rivers.

In addition, rescuers have dug three huge pools with a capacity of 150 cubic meters each to contain the polluted brook water.

"So far, the cyclohexanone has almost all been cleared and burnt. The polluted sands and mud will be dealt with under the direction of experts," said Fan.

Samples of the water in the rivers and wells are being tested every four hours, said Fan.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2007)