A gas explosion occurred at the production site of JSC "Bashkir Soda Company" (the "Kaustik" complex) in Sterlitamak.
This was reported by the regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the authorities of the republic.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, there was no outbreak, but 42 people and 15 units of equipment were involved in the elimination of the consequences.
Bashkiria's Minister of Health Ayrat Rakhmatullin reported that 31 injured people were taken to hospitals.
"19 ambulance teams are working at the scene. Medical teams were quickly flown in from Ufa by air ambulance. They include resuscitators, combustiologists and an ophthalmologist," he wrote in Telegram.
In total, according to the Investigative Committee of Russia, at least 36 people were injured. 9 of them are in serious condition. The victims were previously reported to have pulmonary edema, chemical eye burns, upper respiratory tract burns, and chlorine poisoning.
No information has been received about the deceased at this time.
The Bashkir Soda Company explained to RBC that the accident occurred during preparation for a planned major overhaul: a weld depressurized the pyrogas process pipeline at the VH-PVC (vinyl chloride - polyvinyl chloride) complex.
The damaged area was equipped with an automatic cut-off system, which allowed for the leak to be quickly localized. The work of the VH-PVC complex has been temporarily suspended.
The Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Bashkortostan has taken control of the investigation of the circumstances of the incident. The regional department of the Investigative Committee has launched an investigative check.
"Currently, an inspection of the scene is being conducted, eyewitnesses are being interviewed, and all the causes and conditions that contributed to the incident will be established during the inspection," the Investigative Committee writes in its Telegram channel.
JSC "Bashkir Soda Company" is one of the largest producers of soda ash and baking soda in russia, as well as a prominent player in the production of PVC, caustic soda and hydrochloric acid. The enterprise is part of the JSC "Ruschem" group of companies.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.