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BBC News
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| Reports from Belarus say toxic chemicals have leaked
from one of Europe's largest chemical works,
in the eastern town of Mahilyow.
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"It is quite possible that officials will try to
conceal the real scope of the accident." Ñ Opposition
radio
Opposition
radio Opposition radio reports said parents and kindergarten
teachers in Mahilyow had been warned to keep children indoors
for several days.
The
nature of the chemicals involved is unclear.
The
incident is believed to have occurred on Thursday morning,
although the Belarus authorities made no announcement at
the time.
Illness
Residents
in the area in which the plant is located are said to have
felt ill.
"The
accident was reportedly caused by irresponsibility of the
personnel who monitor control and measuring equipment, which
resulted in a leak of the poison into the atmosphere,"
the radio said.
The
report added that the plant had a long record of leaks.
"One
thing is certain: there is a real danger for residents of
Mahilyow. Hence, it is quite possible that officials will
try to conceal the real scope of the accident behind general
statements."
The
radio said Mahilyow was known as one of Belarus's most polluted
cities.
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