Yellow Smoke Emission Due to Chemical Warehouse Leak in China

Chinese Central Television (CCTV) reported today, Saturday, that yellow smoke covered parts of a city in northern China following a leak of acidic substances from a warehouse owned by a children's products manufacturer. The incident occurred in Shijiazhuang in Hebei province, and the fire department and others managed to control the situation. The report stated that there were no casualties, and an investigation into the circumstances is ongoing. Incidents caused by gas and chemical explosions are common in China after years of rapid economic growth. China has intensified inspection and oversight efforts, but industrial accidents and workplace incidents remain prevalent. In June, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a revision of safety laws nationwide after one of the deadliest gas explosions in years claimed 31 lives in northwestern China. Videos widely circulated on Chinese social media showed the sky above Shijiazhuang turning yellow, and many expressed concern about the leak. One internet user wrote, "Was that chlorine? It would be terrible if it was."