SAINT-FONS, Rhône – This afternoon, December 22, 2025, several explosions were reported at the Elkem Silicones plant in Saint-Fons, a high-threshold Seveso site. The incident, which occurred around 3:20 PM, has resulted in multiple casualties and significant emergency response.
Details of the Incident and Casualties
According to initial reports from Le Progrès, two distinct explosions were heard at the industrial facility. Following the blasts, large plumes of smoke were observed rising from the site. Emergency services quickly converged on the scene.
Tragically, four individuals have been reported injured, with two of them in serious condition. All injured are employees of the Elkem plant. Additionally, one person is currently unaccounted for, prompting an urgent search operation.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
In response to the severity of the situation, the ORSEC plan was triggered at 3:00 PM. A substantial deployment of emergency personnel and equipment is underway. Currently, 35 firefighters and 13 vehicles are mobilized at the site, working to control the situation and provide assistance.
The departmental operational center (COD) has been activated at the prefecture, indicating a coordinated response from local authorities. A security perimeter of approximately 1,700 meters is being established around the Elkem plant. This measure is expected to lead to road closures in the vicinity to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations.
Specialized NRBC (nuclear, radiological, biological, chemical) intervention vehicles have also been dispatched to the scene, highlighting the potential hazardous nature of the industrial site and the need for comprehensive safety protocols.
Previous Incidents at the Site
This incident is not the first concerning event at the Elkem site. Earlier this year, the same facility experienced a leak of hazardous materials, raising questions about safety protocols and industrial risk management at the high-threshold Seveso plant.
Impact on Local Infrastructure and Residents
The potential road closures and the presence of emergency vehicles may cause significant disruption to local traffic in Saint-Fons and the surrounding areas. Residents are advised to stay informed about official announcements and potential evacuation orders, although none have been issued at the time of this report.
Authorities are working diligently to assess the full extent of the damage, determine the cause of the explosions, and ensure the safety of both the plant employees and the wider community. The search for the missing person remains a top priority for the rescue teams.
Further updates are expected as the situation develops and more information becomes available from the emergency services and local authorities.
Source: https://www.leprogres.fr/faits-divers-justice/2025/12/22/des-explosions-entendues-sur-le-site-d-elkem-a-saint-fons-de-la-fumee-s-echappe-du-site
