Pollution
Humain
Environnement
Economique

In a plant transforming aluminium, an aluminium powder fire broke out at 8.15 am on a worm supplying a conveyor. The flame cutting operation on the worm shell generated scales that ignited the dust on the ground. The incandescent Al dust swept by the wind spread to the atomisation tunnels, sewers and a lost well. The dust and hydrogen formed upon contact with water caused 4 violent explosions. The fire spread to a stock of Al powder stored in bags and drums. The fire that was violent till 12.00 was brought under control at 3.00 pm and resulted in significant internal damage (roofs ripped out, craters formed, etc.). Projections were found within a radius of 50 m. No victims or environmental damage was reported.