LYON, December 22 – Three individuals sustained serious injuries following a series of explosions at a chemical plant near Lyon, in the Rhône region, on Monday, December 22. The incident, which occurred at a silicone production facility, prompted a significant emergency response. While the A7 motorway has reopened and confinement orders have been lifted, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and the ongoing investigation into the cause.
Explosions Rock Seveso-Classified Site
The explosions took place at approximately 2:45 PM on Monday at the Élkem Silicones plant, located south of Lyon in the industrial zone known as the “Chemical Valley.” This site is classified as a Seveso high-threshold facility, indicating a significant risk of major accidents concerning human health, the environment, or property. The incident quickly led to the implementation of the Orsec plan, a national emergency response protocol, under the authority of the prefect.
Jean-Pierre Lerat, the site director for Élkem Silicones, expressed concern for the victims: “There are four victims, who are colleagues we have known for a very long time, and our thoughts are with their families.”
Swift Emergency Response and Safety Measures
An immediate and extensive emergency operation was launched. “We deployed about a hundred firefighters, four SMUR teams, not to mention the company’s own resources,” detailed Colonel Lionel Chabert, commander of rescue operations. A one-kilometer security perimeter was established around the plant to ensure public safety.
As a precautionary measure, approximately 100,000 people, including employees and residents of four surrounding municipalities, were ordered to confine themselves indoors. Antoine Guérin, the prefect delegate for security in Lyon, explained the rationale behind the measures: “There is no risk of toxicity; however, until we are certain there will be no new explosions, we have decided to close the A7, the railway line, and navigation on the Rhône.”
Fire Controlled, Risks Averted, and Roads Reopened
By 6:00 PM, the fire resulting from the explosions was brought under control, and critically, all risks of toxicity were officially ruled out. Following this assessment, the prefect lifted the confinement orders and reopened the previously closed transport routes, including the A7 motorway, the railway, and river navigation on the Rhône.
The reopening of the motorway and the lifting of confinement brought a sense of relief to the affected communities, though the incident’s impact on the injured individuals and the plant’s operations remains a significant concern.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosions. The nature of the materials handled at the Seveso-classified site, primarily silicone-based products, necessitates a thorough examination to prevent future occurrences. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with industrial operations in areas like the “Chemical Valley.”
The Élkem Silicones plant is a key industrial facility in the region, and the disruption caused by the explosion will have implications for its production capabilities and workforce. The focus now shifts to supporting the injured, assessing the damage to the plant, and ensuring all safety protocols were followed and can be enhanced.
The community and local authorities will be closely monitoring the progress of the investigation and any subsequent measures taken to reinforce safety standards at industrial sites within the region.
Source: https://www.franceinfo.fr/france/auvergne-rhone-alpes/rhone/lyon/explosion-d-une-usine-chimique-pres-de-lyon-l-incendie-maitrise-et-les-risques-de-toxicite-ecartes-apres-plusieurs-heures-d-intervention_7696495.html
