Explosions reported at Arkema plant

Local officials had previously established an evacuation zone in an area 1.5 miles from the plant, based on the company’s assessment of the situation.

The explosions follow recent warnings of a ‘serious’ situation at the plant, as a result of unprecendented flooding at the site.

A statement from Arkema read: “We have been working closely with public officials to manage the implications of this situation, and have communicated with the public the potential for product to explode and cause an intense fire. Organic peroxides are extremely flammable and, as agreed with public officials, the best course of action is to let the fire burn itself out.

“We want local residents to be aware that product is stored in multiple locations on the site, and a threat of additional explosion remains. Please do not return to the area within the evacuation zone until local emergency response authorities announce it is safe to do so.”

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/31082017/explosions-reported-at-arkema-plant/