In a fine chemistry workshop, a flash occurred on a pilot reactor in which the condensation of ethyl carbon in a methyl-tertio-butyl-ether solvent environment (MTBE) and in the presence of sodium to obtain a ceto-ester. It was the first time the procedure was being tested. An operator was injured in the face and a bag of hydride being loaded caught fire upon falling. The employees were able to bring the hydride fire and the fire in the reactor under control.

The accident could have been caused by a ventilation duct, near an open manhole, and a drop of condensation water falling onto the hydride or hydride dusts drawn into the solvent vapours and the ambient humidity. The safety airlock was not in place during the reactor loading operation. The accident had no visible consequence on the environment.