In the distillation unit in the establishment for production of bioethano, a series of explosions occur in the in reactor pressure as a result of an uncontrollable chemical reaction. The rescue has been in operation for 4 hours. The extinguishing foams were diluted and poured into storage tanks, where they were completely neutralized.

The material losses are estimated at 10 million euros and 14 people are injured.

The direct cause of the explosion was the pumping of 50% nitric acid into a collecting tank with a residual alcohol of about 70% during the maintenance of the plant. An exothermic reaction developing large amounts of gases developed, pressurizing the tank above its strength, tearing it, and generating a pressure wave. Then a fire occurred. This was a non-standard drawdown decided by a distillery technologist and not in accordance with approved working procedures.

Personnel change was made to the position of a distillery technologist, control mechanisms were modified, there will be extra trainings. A change management system has been introduced.