Leakage of hydrogen sulphide at a refinery in this capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region knocked down 12 farmers on Wednesday.

Two of the seriously poisoned farmers were still under medical observation and 10 others have been out of danger, a doctor with the regional people's hospital told Xinhua Thursday.

A sufferer recalled that they smelled something like stinking eggs at about 2:00 PM Wednesday when they were working at a construction site inside the refinery, based in Xixia District of Yinchuan City. They did not take notice of the smell and continued working.

Two hours later, they felt dizzy, nauseated and chest distress, and were rushed to hospital immediately. Medical check-up showed they were poisoned by hydrogen sulphide.

Authorities of the refinery are investigating the cause of the leakage accident and those who are held accountable for the accident.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2004)