APRIL 22, 2015
Investigation into a fire that lasted several days at a
chemical plant in southeastern China's Fujian Province has begun, according to
the work safety regulator.
The accident occurred on April 6 at a chemical plant of
Tenglong Aromatic Hydrocarbon (Zhangzhou) Co. Ltd. on Gulei Peninsula of
Zhangzhou City. It began after a xylene facility leaked oil and caught fire,
which led to explosions, State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS)
spokesperson Huang Yi said at a press conference at the State Council
Information Office.
The fire reignited twice in the following days before finally
being put out.
Dozens were injured by the accident while more than 29,000
people were evacuated from the surrounding area into temporary camps in
logistics parks and schools in Zhangpu County.
This is the second accident in 20 months at the same facility,
which produces paraxylene (PX), an industrial chemical used for making fiber
and plastics.
The investigation is being carried out by the local
provincial government under the guidance of the SAWS, said Huang.
Hidden dangers lurked when the plant was constructed and low
priced equipment was used, said Huang, adding that parts of the plant were not
designed scientifically and safety supervision was not in place.
Anyone who is responsible for this accident must be punished
according to law and lessons must be learned.
In addition to Tenglong, SAWS has sent four groups to
inspect all PX production facilities in the country, he said.
The Tenglong plant covers about 115 hectares, including
factories, a specialized wharf for oils and a thermal power station, according
to its official website.
PX plants are highly controversial in China and proposed
plants have met strong public opposition in recent years.
China's environmental minister said the construction of PX
projects should pass environmental impact assessments, during the country's
annual parliamentary session in March.
Source: http://english.cri.cn