CHONGQING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The 15,000 residents evacuated from the site of a leaking gas well in Kaixian County of Chongqing Municipality, southwest China, began returning home in groups

Two girls are on their way home after the the air quality improved in Kaixian County of Chongqing Municipality, southwest China, on April 1, 2006. (Photo: Xinhua)

on Saturday, after the air quality in the region improved.

    Tests of 15 local environmental monitoring spots showed the content of toxic sulfureted hydrogen in the air is up to the state required standard in the region after the leaking gas well was successfully sealed on Friday, said an official with the rescue headquarters.

    Tests at the 54 drinking water resources in the region showed the water is qualified for drink, said an official.

    The headquarters also said that there still exists gas leakage from certain layers and the headquarters warned villagers against the warning area.

    The 3,400-meter-deep Luojia No. 2 well, owned by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), began leaking on March 25 during final tests before starting production.

    Located in Gaoqiao Town of Kaixian County, the gas well is within the vicinity of the Luojia No. 16H Gas Well, where a deadly gas blowout killed 243 people in December 2003.

    After the gas leakage happened, workers ignited the escaping gas to avoid a possible buildup and explosion. More than 10,000 residents living within one km of the well were evacuated. Enditem

Residents begin returning home in groups after the the air quality improved in Kaixian County of Chongqing Municipality, southwest China, on April 1, 2006.  (Photo: Xinhua)