Pollution
Humain
Environnement
Economique

An explosion occurred in a fireworks production facility. Followed by smaller blasts, this event caused a fire to break out inside the plant and then spread to a neighbouring forest before control could be restored by fire-fighting crews. The human toll was great: 7 killed and another 7 injured, including 2 critically. The victims were mainly employees, but clients were also present onsite at the time of the explosion. The causes of this accident remained unknown. The explosion was heard over a 24-km radius. It appears that the accident was triggered inside a workshop producing the Roman candle fireworks display. The majority of depots exploded, generating a mushroom smoke cloud visible 5 km around. The authorities subsequently concluded that the facility had been compliant with operating rules. Inspections followed, and a series of recommendations were issued.