Suspected toxic gas kills four at Hechi pickling facility

Four people were found dead following a suspected toxic gas poisoning incident at a pickled-vegetable processing site in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, local authorities said on Thursday.

The incident occurred at about 5 pm on Thursday at a facility used for pickling vegetables in a community of Jinchengjiang district, according to a statement released by the Dongjiang township government.

After receiving the report, local authorities mobilized emergency responders, medical workers, police and firefighters to the scene. Medical personnel confirmed that four people had no signs of life.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the suspected toxic gas incident, while follow-up work is underway, according to the statement.