Chinese woman dies after stepping on hydrofluoric acid while taking a walk

By Minh Nga September 26, 2025 | 03:53 pm PT

A 52-year-old woman in Zhejiang Province, eastern China, has died after accidentally stepping on hydrofluoric acid, prompting a police investigation into the negligent disposal of the highly dangerous, bone-corroding chemical.

The woman, identified only by her surname Tu, came into contact with the chemical at a vacant lot in Xianlin District, Hangzhou City, on Sept. 9. She was taken to hospital but died on Sept. 14 despite emergency treatment, according to a statement from district authorities cited by China Daily.

After her death, police launched an investigation, and the local environmental department decontaminated the site. Tu was diagnosed with multiple organ failure and severe electrolyte imbalance.

On the evening of Sept. 14, a social media user claiming to be Tu’s child, posting under the name "LIV Yuanbao," wrote: "My mum left us in a way we could not comprehend, and so quickly."

According to the post, cited by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the incident occurred while Tu was walking on a vacant hillside behind her family’s store. The area had been cleared for redevelopment but remained frequented by walkers or people growing vegetables. Tu accidentally stepped on a mysterious container.

After visiting two hospitals without success, she was transferred to the Second Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Xinjian campus). "LIV Yuanbao" noted that doctors explained even a small amount of hydrofluoric acid, also known as "bone-dissolving water", can be fatal, and Tu had been exposed to a large quantity.

Police have cordoned off and decontaminated the scene. Initial reports suggested that the acid had been left by a sanitation worker surnamed Ai, whose job involved cleaning walls. Ai, who left the area in 2015, has now been detained. A lawyer told SCMP that Ai could face up to seven years in prison for negligent disposal of hazardous substances.

Hydrofluoric acid is a colorless, pungent liquid with extremely corrosive properties. It can corrode metals, glass, and silicon-containing materials. Handling the chemical requires extreme caution, as contact with its vapor or liquid can cause severe burns, deep tissue damage, and, in serious cases, death.