Russian rubber plant blast gives up its secrets

ERJ staff report (TP)

Omsk, Russia – The explosion that took place on 6 March at a synthetic rubber plant in the Siberian city of Omsk has now been fully dealt with according to Omsky Kauchuk.

A press release on their website, dated 12 March, but not posted online till 19 March, said: “On 12 March, at 18.00 the enterprise completed activities on liquidation of inflammation which was caused by an accident of 6 March in [the] phenol-acetone workshop.

“In accordance with existing technologies, liquidation of the inflammation was conducted step-by-step in the course of several days.

“Let us mention, that four out of six oxidation columns were put offline in phenol-acetone workshop of plant ‘Omsky Kauchuk’.

“10 persons were recognised as casualties: one is staying in hospital, doctors assess his condition as stably poor with positive dynamics; the rest of the casualties were discharged from hospital.

“Group of Companies ‘Titan’ management showed readiness to compensate to the casualties expenses on medical services. Besides, all casualties will receive compensation payments in accordance with federal legislation.

“Let us mention, that presently only the phenol-acetone workshop is offline. Other units of the plant and Group of Companies ‘Titan’ enterprises which are situated in direct vicinity from ‘Omsky Kauchuk’ are functioning in normal mode.

“After conduct of damage evaluation, measures will be taken to restore phenol-acetone production and correction of production program will be made.”

Despite repeated attempts, the company ignored ERJ’s requests for information on the explosion and its aftermath.

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Press release from Omsky Kauchuk