Explosion at SOCAR plant in Sumgayit injures five, few in serious condition UPDATED

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has confirmed that the explosion which injured five people in Sumgayit on May 20 occurred at the Ethylene-Polyethylene Plant operated by Azerikimya Production Union.

According to the company, the blast took place during routine maintenance work on a low-pressure separator in the synthesis section of the facility’s process line B. The repair work was being carried out in accordance with safety regulations at the time, SOCAR stated.

This confirmation comes hours after initial reports of the incident, which left five men with varying degrees of burn injuries. Two of the victims were treated as outpatients and released, while three remain hospitalised, with at least some reportedly in serious condition.

An internal investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion. 

The Ethylene-Polyethylene Plant is one of Azerbaijan’s key industrial sites, playing a vital role in the country’s chemical production sector.

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An explosion at an industrial facility in Sumgayit on May 20 afternoon left five men injured, with three in serious condition, according to a statement from the Medical Territorial Units Management Association (TƏBIB).

The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. GMT+4 at a factory. Emergency medical teams transported the injured to the Emergency Hospital under the Sumgayit Medical Centre, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

TƏBIB reported that all five victims sustained burns of varying degrees. 

"Three patients in serious condition will be transferred to the Burns Centre at Narimanov Medical Centre for specialised care. The other two remain under treatment, and their condition is assessed as moderate," the agency said.

In response to the explosion, units from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, including personnel and equipment from the State Fire Service, were dispatched to the scene.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Authorities are currently implementing safety measures at the site as investigations continue.

By Sabina Mammadli