An explosion occurred around 12:30 pm in an oil depot at a refinery; 21 of the 40 hydrocarbon tanks caught on fire. Flames were visible several kilometres away, with a dense, black and toxic smoke released.

A state of emergency was declared in five neighbouring municipalities; a total of 1,500 people were evacuated, schools were closed and both air and road traffic was rerouted. Several drivers were injured by exploding car windows, while others were intoxicated from the smoke; 3 rescue workers were also hurt. A shake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale was recorded; dwellings and industrial premises were damaged at a distance of over 1.6 km from the explosion, and window panes were reported shattered several kilometres away. Local residents were asked to remain indoors due to the toxic smoke. The authorities prepared a stadium to accommodate up to 30,000 evacuees if necessary. Fire-fighters brought the fire under control on October 25th, at which time residents were allowed back home. Damages were estimated to run above $6.4 million.

America’s independent accident investigation commission (CSB – Chemical Safety Board) sought to identify the causes of this accident; according to initial findings, a gasoline tank was being filled from a boat. This tank had apparently overflowed, with gasoline spreading over the floor and forming an inflammable cloud 600 m in diameter prior to reaching an ignition source northwest of the site. The liquid level in the tank could not be determined, as the corresponding automated control system was not operational. Field technicians used a mechanical gauge on the outer tank wall, while control room technicians were unaware of the imminent danger resulting from tank overflow.