Society

Six children killed by poisonous gas in cave

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-16 16:54

KUNMING: Six children have died and another injured after they inhaled toxic gas while playing in a deserted mining cave in Zhenxiong County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, a local official confirmed Tuesday.

Zhang Jin, the county government chief, told Xinhua Tuesday seven children, all aged around 10, ventured into the cave at about 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The children were all found fainted on the ground.

Zhang said three died on the spot. Four others were sent immediately to hospital, but three of them failed to be revived.

The only survivor, an 11-year-old girl, has come around. She told rescuers the seven had taken a flashlight to explore inside the cave. She did not go far into the cave before she fainted.

"The cave had been deserted for dozens of years. It is full of poisonous gas," said Zhang.

The county has provided 20,000 yuan (US$2,926) compensation to the families of the dead each and covered the injured girl's medical costs, the country government chief added.

He said the county government has ordered all deserted mining caves be sealed off in response to the tragedy.

The county's police and safety authorities are still investigating the accident.