Tragedy in Slovenia from an explosion at a chemical plant. At least five were killed and six were injured, one of them seriously, according to a new report.
The deadly blast that plunged Slovenia into mourning took place at the Melamin Group headquarters in the center of Kocevie, 60 km from the capital Ljubljana.
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“A tank exploded while chemicals were being unloaded, causing a fire,” said fire chief Leon Behin, speaking to reporters on the spot.
Initially, the fire brigade spoke of “many missing persons”.
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Watch video with the burning chemical plant:
“Unfortunately, our fears have been confirmed,” said factory manager Sreko Stefanic. The blast was so powerful that “they had no chance of surviving,” he added, visibly shocked.
Stefanic clarified that the victims are a factory worker and four external collaborators.
Slovenia: “Human error”
Two of the injured, who suffered severe burns, were airlifted to Ljubljana. One of them is being treated in critical condition, Stefanic clarified.
The factory manager attributed the tragedy to “human error”, but declined to give further details because the authorities’ investigation has not yet been completed.
Local authorities have urged residents living near the industry not to leave their homes and close the windows tightly for fear of toxic fumes. In the afternoon, however, the precautionary measures were taken, as no impact was found on the environment of this community of 8,600 inhabitants.
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