Dispatch of a Medical Professional Team for the Poison Gas Accident in the Northeastern District of China (Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province)

August 15, 2003

Following the poison gas accident that occurred in the northeastern district of China (Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province), caused by abandoned chemical weapons of the former Japanese Army, the Government of Japan has decided to dispatch a medical professional team consisting of a total of seven persons (three doctors, one official or member each from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office for Abandoned Chemical Weapons of the Prime Minister's Office, the Japan Institute of International Affairs, and an interpreter) to the accident scene from August 15 (Fri) to 20 (Wed), for the purpose of offering advice and guidance on medical treatment for the victims.
It was also decided to dispatch six persons including Japanese government officials and experts who were investigating abandoned chemical weapons in Mudanjian City, Heilongjiang Province, to the scene on August 14 to repack the chemicals, which are now simply stored in drums, more securely (temporary package in aluminum-laminate).
This dispatch is for the accident that occurred on August 4 at the construction site in Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province, when liquid running off from the five drums dug out by construction workers caused them to have such symptoms as headache and vomiting. According to the report by the Chinese side, 36 persons were hospitalized as of August 13.

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