Lyon, December 23 – Two explosions rocked the Elkem Silicones production facility in Saint-Fons this Monday afternoon, prompting authorities to activate the departmental Orsec emergency response plan. The incident at the Seveso ‘high threshold’ classified plant, which specializes in silicone materials, has led to a major emergency services deployment.
Orsec Plan Activated, Confinement Ordered
The immediate activation of the Orsec plan by the Rhône Prefecture resulted in a FR-Alert message being disseminated, instructing residents within a 1,700-meter radius to confine themselves indoors. This measure was taken due to the hazardous substances handled at the facility.
According to preliminary reports from Le Progrès, four individuals have sustained injuries, with two in critical condition. Alarmingly, one person is currently unaccounted for following the explosions.
Transportation Disrupted, Hydrogen Suspected
The incident has caused significant disruption to transportation networks. Rail services on the Lyon-Saint-Étienne and Lyon-Valence lines have been suspended. Road traffic has been diverted, and bus line 64 TCL is experiencing service interruptions, with stops between “Saint-Fons Recherche” and “Saint-Fons Semard” currently out of service.
Initial information from the AFP, as reported by Le Progrès, suggests that the primary blast may have been linked to the presence of hydrogen. A substantial force of 35 firefighters, along with specialized chemical risk units, remains on site, actively working to stabilize the situation and manage any ongoing threats.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
The Elkem Silicones plant, classified under the Seveso directive due to the dangerous nature of its operations, is now the focal point of a comprehensive emergency response. The focus remains on ensuring public safety, locating the missing person, and addressing the aftermath of the explosions.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the explosions, but investigations are expected to commence once the site is fully secured. The priority for emergency services is to contain any potential further risks and provide immediate care for the injured.
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with industrial facilities handling hazardous materials and highlights the importance of robust emergency protocols such as the Orsec plan in safeguarding local communities.
Further updates are anticipated as the situation evolves and more information becomes available from the emergency services and local authorities.
Source: https://www.petit-bulletin.fr/article-80329-explosion-sur-le-site-elkem-silicones-a-saint-fons-le-plan-orsec-active.html
