Six workers with a drainage company died and one other was seriously affected in a marsh gas poisoning incident on Sunday afternoon in Qiemo County of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

 

One worker from the county's drainage company fell into a drainage well at around 3 P.M. Sunday when an examination of the underground system was being conducted. Six workers were all poisoned by high-density marsh gas after they went into the well to rescue their colleague, according to local government.

 

Rescuers found the seven workers after searching for more than three hours. Six of them had already died.

 

The only survivor was hospitalized immediately but remains in danger, according to the drainage company.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2006)