An explosion and fire occurred during the synthesis of epichlorhydrine [1-chloro 2,3-epoxy-propane] on a chemical site producing glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride. The cooling system of the epichlorhydrine reactor failed (unknown cause); the polymerization heat that could not be removed caused a runaway reaction. The pressure increase was followed by an explosion and fire.

The internal and external emergency plans were activated and the Authorities were alerted ; a safety perimeter of 300 m was set. The fire threatened the safety of nearby storage tanks containing ethylene oxide and trimethylamine. The local fire brigade was mobilized but its intervention was not necessary.

One employee was injured, the epichlorhydrine production plant was completely destroyed, windows were scattered outside the establishment, large amounts of white asbestos deposited around and outside the establishment. The polluted area was cleaned from asbestos by specially protected fire-fighters during the following days.