The headquarters dealing with the gas leakage accident in 
Rescue worker prepare for the rescue operation at Luojia No. 2 Gas Well in Gaoqiao Town in Kaixian County, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, on March 27, 2006. 

Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality decided on Monday night to employ the second plan to cap the leakage-hit gas well on Tuesday morning as the first plan did not prove effective.

According to the second plan, workers will pour slurry and cement into the underground through the mouth of the Luojia No. 2 well located in Gaoqiao Town of Kaixian County, said an official with the southwest branch of the well's owner China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

However, the official did not exclude the possibility of carrying out the third plan if the second fails to take effect.

The gas leakage occurred on Saturday. No casualty has been reported.

More than 10,000 residents living around the well have been evacuated and well resettled.

Experts said there is no need for more evacuation of residents. The local government has prepared comprehensive measures in dealing with possible emergencies.

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2006)