Four injured in Saint-Fons chemical plant explosion in France

At least four employees were injured on December 22, in an explosion at the Elkem Silicones chemical plant in Saint-Fons, Rhône, France. Two of the victims are in critical condition, a police source announced.

The blast occurred at 2:45 p.m. at the Seveso-classified facility, which produces silicone-based materials, BFMTV reports.

“The explosion was caused by hydrogen,” a prefecture communications official said.

The explosion took place in one of the plant’s laboratories and ignited a fire in a 600-square-metre building, firefighters confirmed. As of mid-afternoon, 84 firefighters and 32 fire engines remained on site, working to contain the blaze.

Authorities deployed 35 national police officers alongside municipal police, while the prefect of Rhône was also present at the scene.

The ORSEC plan, designed to coordinate emergency response to major incidents, was activated, along with the Departmental Operational Center (COD). A 2-kilometre safety perimeter has been established around the site, and the A7 motorway has been closed to traffic to ensure public safety.

The situation remains ongoing as emergency teams continue efforts to extinguish the fire and secure the area.

By Vafa Guliyeva