In a chemical plant, a rupture disc broke on a reactor used in the manufacturing of acrylic resin during pumping at the bottom of a device containing a hot mix of cleaning solvents. The reactor had been heated under manual control without following procedures or employing automated control mechanisms ; the installation’s residual temperature had risen too high. The resulting vapour cloud exploded; 2 technicians were killed, 60 other employees were hurt and 30 individuals outside the facility were physically affected. At least 1,000 neighbours and 80 subcontracting personnel had to be evacuated. Property damage was extensive and losses were evaluated at 120 MF ($23 M).