Smoke and fire billow out March 26 as a leak was discovered at a gas well in Kaixiang County near southwestern China's Chongqing Municipality one day before. The spewed gas cloud at the mouth of the well was ignited in order to prevent a further buildup and explosion. About 7,000 nearby residents have been evacuated to safe with no one injured and the situation is reportedly under control till Sunday.

The accident site is cordoned off on Sunday after a gas well leakage were spotted Saturday. The cause of the accident resulting in a mass evacuation of 7,000 people is still under investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2006)