CHENGDU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and six others sickened after hydrogen sulfide overflow in a factory in southwest China's Sichuan Province Sunday, the local government said.

    The accident took place in Nikeguorun New Materials Co. Ltd. In Pengshan County in the morning as workers added excessive amount of sulfuric acid during an experiment, which led to the overflow of the toxic hydrogen sulfide, the publicity office of the county government said, based on an initial investigation.

    The privately-owned company, engaged in lithium battery research and production, has more than 600 employees. It was founded in 2000 with an registered capital of more than 10 million yuan (1.47 million U.S. dollars), according to the homepage of the company.

    The six sickened were in stable condition in a local hospital.

    Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with an offensive stench. It can poison several different systems in the body, with the brain and respiratory system being the most affected.

    The local work safety watchdog was investigating the accident.