A series of explosions detonated and a fire broke out in a crude oil storage facility connected with a production well (11 m³/day at 60% water, 12 Nm³/tonne of gas). Three of the five 37.5-m³ capacity tanks exploded, 2 of which were blown 10 m away from the retention basin. Welding work undertaken by a local firm and performed without any written guidelines provided for the partially drained tanks that had not been degassed were responsible for this loss. One of the technicians was ejected 30 m and died on the spot, while a second was seriously injured (issuance of a 2-month work stop order). An employee working at a neighbouring quarry who came to offer assistance was slightly hurt. The 23.3 m³ of crude remaining in the separation tank were extinguished within 45 minutes by a response team of 70 fire-fighters. No hot work permit had ever been issued.