SAINT-FONS, FRANCE – An explosion at the Elkem Silicones chemical plant in Saint-Fons, located south of Lyon, on Monday afternoon, December 22, resulted in injuries to four individuals, two of whom are reported to be in critical condition. The incident occurred shortly before 3:00 PM at the facility, which is classified as a Seveso ‘high threshold’ site due to the hazardous nature of its operations.
Hydrogen Emanation Suspected in Experimental Workshop
While the exact cause of the blast remains under investigation, initial findings suggest the explosion was likely triggered by an emanation of hydrogen within an experimental workshop. Five individuals were working in this area at the time of the incident, according to Jean-Pierre Laurent, the site director. Antoine Guérin, the prefect delegate for security, described the event as “a small reactor that exploded.”
All four injured employees, out of the 400 personnel working at the site, sustained burns of varying degrees. Dr. David Pinero, who led the emergency medical teams on site, indicated that the injuries included burns and potentially a “blast effect.” Prefect Guérin confirmed two individuals suffered “very serious” injuries, and one was “less serious,” though he assured that none of the victims’ lives were in immediate danger.
Judicial Police Investigate, Confinement Measures Lifted
Judicial police officers arrived at the scene on Monday evening to conduct observations as part of the ongoing investigation. The Lyon public prosecutor’s office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the case. Confinement measures, which were implemented for both plant employees and residents of four nearby municipalities, were lifted around 6:00 PM.
The Elkem Silicones plant in Saint-Fons has a history of incidents. In 2016, a fatal fire occurred at the same site, resulting in one death and the destruction of 600 square meters of a 2,500 square meter warehouse. More recently, in January 2025, a leak of hazardous materials was reported at the facility.
Elkem Silicones: Part of a Global Chemical Giant
Elkem Silicones France operates as a subsidiary of the Norwegian group Elkem, with China National Bluestar, a state-owned Chinese chemical giant, holding the majority stake. In addition to the Saint-Fons plant, Elkem maintains four other sites across France, along with offices in Neuilly-sur-Seine. This includes a research center employing 120 people. The Saint-Fons site alone employs approximately 400 individuals.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise circumstances that led to Monday’s explosion. Further details are expected as authorities continue their work.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/saint-fons_69199/explosion-dans-une-usine-chimique-pres-de-lyon-que-s-est-il-passe-les-premiers-elements_63612770.html
