A 20,000-litre tank containing alcohol exploded at 2:20 pm inside a distillery. Two levels of above the tanks used for daily operations, a subcontractor was performing the installation of duckboard. During these works, hot welding flashes fell onto one of the six daily tanks, which not yet degassed still contained a bottom trace of alcohol and was filled with alcoholic vapours. Exposed to the effect of heat, these vapours exploded, causing the tank to deform. The installation works were stopped and the zone was secured.

This accident was due to noncompliance with the site’s security guidelines. The operator was required to revise the procedure for awarding hot work permits as well as the protocol for starting up works in the presence of subcontractors. A personnel awareness campaign relative to the site’s safety procedures was also planned.