Gas leak kills 10 in East China

Carbon dioxide leaked in a cargo ship at Longyan Port in Rongcheng, Weihai, East China's Shandong province at around 4 pm Saturday afternoon, killing 10 people, according to local authorities.

Local health bodies launched an emergency response immediately after the accident, and 19 injured are now receiving medical treatment in local hospitals.

The National Health Commission on Sunday morning sent three experts in critical care medicine, respiration, and neurology to Weihai to help treat the injured, according to the National Health Commission.

An emergency-management team headed by the Shandong vice-governor and including provincial medical experts arrived in Weihai Saturday evening to address the accident.

Those being treated are not suffering from life-threatening injuries, according to local authorities.

An initial investigation has shown the accident was caused by crew malpractice.

The Fujian Shipping Company, located where the cargo ship is registered, has sent people to Weihai to handle the accident.