Hydrogen Explosion at Elkem Silicones Facility in Saint-Fons, Lyon Injures Four
A hydrogen explosion at the Elkem Silicones facility in Saint-Fons, near Lyon, injured four employees on December 22, with two in critical condition. The blast triggered a fire and led to the activation of the Orsec emergency response plan, affecting over 100,000 residents who were advised to shelter indoors. The site, a high-threshold Seveso facility, has a history of safety issues, including a fatal accident in 2016.
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A hydrogen explosion occurred at the Elkem Silicones site in Saint-Fons, south of Lyon, injuring four employees on December 22. The blast, which took place around 2:30 PM in an experimental workshop, ignited a fire in a 600-square-metre building.
Two of the injured workers are in critical condition. The Orsec emergency response plan was activated, affecting over 100,000 residents in nearby areas, who were ordered to shelter indoors. A 1-kilometre security perimeter was established, and transport links including the A7 motorway were temporarily closed.
By early evening, the fire was controlled, and the confinement order was lifted. The site, classified as a high-threshold Seveso facility, has a history of safety issues, including a fatal accident in 2016 and a formal notice for non-compliant hazardous material storage in 2022.
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