An investigation into a lethal toxic gas leak at a chemical facility in China’s Anhui province has officially designated the incident as a major work safety liability accident. The tragedy, which claimed four lives and caused direct economic losses exceeding 6.09 million yuan ($873,531), occurred at Anhui Xintai New Material Co in Chizhou on October 27, 2025.
The catastrophic sequence began when an operator, identified only by surname Zhang, entered a confined space—a frozen brine tank—without authorization or adherence to mandatory safety protocols. At approximately 8:12 pm, Zhang ventured into the hazardous environment without proper ventilation, gas detection equipment, or respiratory protection to retrieve a pump. The worker was rapidly overwhelmed by dangerously high concentrations of nitrogen and other toxic gases.
Subsequent rescue attempts tragically compounded the casualties when co-workers and the workshop director intervened without adequate personal protective equipment, resulting in three additional fatalities.
Provincial authorities concluded that the direct cause stemmed from severe violations of confined space entry procedures and the absence of proper protective gear during rescue operations. The investigation further identified systemic failures including deficient corporate safety management, inadequate staff training, unaddressed risk controls, insufficient hazard inspections, and regulatory oversight lapses by local authorities.
Legal proceedings have commenced with three company executives—the chairman, general manager, and a deputy general manager—released on bail pending further police investigation. The deceased workshop director has been recommended for liability exemption. The Chizhou emergency management bureau will impose legal penalties on the company, while potential dereliction of duty by government personnel has been referred to the Anhui Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Commission of Supervision for accountability proceedings.
