French trade unions push for probe after one killed in Elkem Silicones blast

French trade unions CGT and CFDT have announced plans to become parties to a civil lawsuit following an explosion at the Elkem Silicones chemical plant in Saint-Fons, near Lyon, which left one person dead and three others injured.

According to French media, representatives of CGT and CFDT confirmed the decision. In a statement, CGT described the incident as “unacceptable.”

Jacques Lacailla, head of CGT Chimie Rhône, said that after an emergency meeting with plant management, the union decided to join the civil proceedings. CFDT has also formally notified management of its intention to take part in the case, CFDT Secretary General Estelle Delon said.

The explosion occurred in an experimental workshop at the plant, which is classified as a high-risk facility under the “Seveso high-threshold” designation. The victim was a 47-year-old man who died the following day from burns. Among the injured were one woman and two men, two of whom sustained severe burns. A union source said the deceased had been a long-standing member of CFDT.

The incident has caused deep shock among the plant’s workforce. CGT stressed the need to review work organisation, risk assessment, maintenance practices, and the company’s safety policy. CFDT likewise emphasised that measures must be taken to ensure such tragedies do not happen again.

Plant management said the explosion was caused by the release of hydrogen in the experimental workshop during a “relatively routine” procedure that complied with the latest safety standards. The factory, located in the “chemical valley” south of Lyon, employs around 570 people.

By Tamilla Hasanova