In a fireworks manufacturing facility, a succession of explosions (perhaps 5 in all), 3 of which were more violent, destroyed a coating workshop (where black powder was being coated) and spread fire to neighbouring workshops (through the domino effect). The building (cement floor, cladding and fibre cement roof, without any doors) was completely demolished. The technician inside was killed on the spot; another, located 180 m from a building, was seriously burned and died at the hospital. A total of 19 employees were injured by flying glass, 2 of whom in critical condition. Windows were shattered within a 800-m radius. Beyond the site boundary, broken glass panes were recorded on homes as well as in a secondary school 200 m further away. The site’s other buildings were damaged, with doors ripped out and windows smashed, etc.

The fall of a tray or star triggered the reaction, which was then exacerbated by an accumulation of chlorate products with great sensitivity inside the coating workshop. The rated value of the building was set at 40 kg; according to experts, the quantity present would have reached near 260 kg. Moreover, the safety organisation was shaped around the fire hazard, as the explosion risk had not been identified.

Experts recalled the importance of detailed workplace safety reports that take into account the risks presented by chlorate products; they also emphasised the need to conduct operations on sensitive substances and split loads (decoupling) within a protected environment. The authorised workstation quantities must be closely respected and the schedule set to ensure avoiding all product accumulation.