According to the first elements collected, it is a maintenance operation "which would be at the origin of the accident", specifies the group in a press release, but "the high temperatures and especially the very low humidity rate, also could play a role.
The site was shut down at the time of the accident to carry out routine maintenance operations, scheduled twice a year, which "are subject to strict provisions before any work", specifies the group which has launched an internal investigation. .
Wednesday, at 1:50 p.m., on this site classified Seveso "high threshold" producing nitrocellulose, an explosive substance, several explosions left eight injured, including one seriously.
All are now "out of danger" and five have already been discharged from hospital, according to the company.
The damaged building was "secured", specifies the group according to which "there is no other damage inside the site and there was no impact on the environment nor outside the building. site".
An investigation for "unintentional injuries in the course of work" was opened by the Bergerac prosecutor's office, entrusted to the Central Office for the fight against attacks on the environment and public health (Oclaesp).
An administrative investigation is also being carried out by the Bureau of Investigation and Analysis of Accidental Risks, created in December 2020 after the Lubrizol accident in Rouen.
According to Bergerac prosecutor Sylvie Guedes, the first on-site findings should be carried out next week, "we are working on hazardous materials. No risks should be taken".
© 2022 AFP