A chlorine gas leak early Wednesday at a small paper mill in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, poisoned 59 residents living nearby.

All the victims were taken to hospital with minor poisoning, except one who was in serious condition.

The leak came from a chlorine cylinder discarded by Tangdu Paper Mill in Sanqiao Town of Xi'an City.

Investigations into the cause of the accident were continuing.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2003)