Two workers have died and two others were injured in Monday's explosion at the Elkem Silicones plant in Saint-Fons near Lyon. Unions CGT and CFDT announced plans to become civil parties in the investigation for involuntary manslaughter, deeming the incident 'intolerable'.
The blast occurred in an experimental workshop during a routine devolatalization of hydrogenated oil by a team of four technicians and an engineer. An undetermined issue caused the oil to mass in the reactor, leading to pressure build-up and hydrogen emission that triggered the explosion.
The updated toll confirms a 47-year-old CFDT veteran died on site, while a 55-year-old succumbed Friday to severe burns. The two other injured employees, a woman and a man, survived.
Dominant site unions CGT and CFDT, representing workers at the 570-employee plant, condemned the accident. CGT questioned work organization, risk assessments, and maintenance in a statement. Jacques Lacaille (CGT Chimie Rhône) and Estelle Delaune (CFDT Syndicat Chimie Énergie) confirmed their intent to join as civil parties following an extraordinary CSE meeting.
The Lyon prosecutor's office tasked DCOS and DDETS with probing involuntary manslaughter and injuries. The incident highlights safety issues in Lyon’s 'chimie valley', home to ten Seveso sites. Elkem, formerly Bluestar Silicones, had a fatal 2016 barrel fire resulting in convictions and prefectural warnings. CFDT's Marylise Léon urged preventive measures.
