Chemical leak that sickened 52 in China nearly cleaned up

Authorities say a chemical leak that sickened 52 people this week has nearly been cleaned up at a wharf in eastern China.

Investigators said around 7 tons of the common additive C9 leaked while workers were loading barrels onto a ship Sunday in Fujian province.

The province's Department of Environmental Protection said the victims displayed symptoms including dizziness, nausea, vomiting and throat discomfort. Ten people remained in the hospital under observation.

The statement said water clean-up operations had largely concluded by Thursday afternoon, but media reports cited residents as saying that a foul and pungent odor remained in the air near the wharf causing sore throats and dizzy spells.

Industrial accidents occur frequently in China, where industry and manufacturing are key drivers of the economy.