GUANGZHOU, China, March 2 (UPI) -- A fire in a chemical factory in Guangzhou, China sent 70 school children to the hospital after inhaling toxic fumes, and forced the evacuation of 800 people.
The fire broke out in the Guangzhou Yue Jie Chemical Company around 2:00 p.m. Monday, causing an explosion when it ignited chemicals stored in the factory, the Guangzhou Daily reported.
Toxic fumes released into the air engulfed the neighborhood, including a nearby primary school. About 70 students from the school were sent to hospitals, where they were given oxygen and released, though doctors asked parents to observe the children for signs of poisoning.
More than 800 people were evacuated from homes in the area, many of whom were also treated in hospitals for smoke inhalation. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after two hours.
The factory was located in an area known as Chemical Town in Guangzhou. The fire started in a warehouse where seven different chemicals were stored.
