Explosion Accident at Seosan Lotte Chemical Daesan Plant... 31 Injured, 2 Seriously Wounded (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] At around 3 a.m. on the 4th, 31 people were injured and transported to hospitals due to an explosion accident at Lotte Chemical Daesan Plant in Daesan-eup, Seosan-si, Chungnam.

The fire authorities deployed 223 firefighters and 66 fire trucks to complete the primary extinguishing operation and are currently handling the remaining flames. There is no concern of a secondary explosion.

Due to severe explosion-related window fragments, 31 people including 8 nearby residents were injured and transported to hospitals. It is reported that 2 people are seriously injured, and there are no fatalities.

Residents reported that the explosion caused windows of nearby houses to break, accompanied by a loud explosion sound and vibrations comparable to an earthquake.

Seosan City Hall sent a safety advisory text message stating that there is no risk of additional accidents and that no hazardous chemicals are involved.

A fire official stated that part of the naphtha cracking facility NCC equipment at the plant exploded, and the exact cause of the accident is under investigation.

A Lotte Chemical official said, "The accident occurred during the compression process in the naphtha cracking process for manufacturing ethylene and propylene," adding, "The exact cause of the accident is being identified, and no hazardous chemicals were leaked."

Currently, seven plants including BTX and BD are suspended, while six plants including EOA and EG are operating normally.

A Lotte Chemical official stated, "We will do our best to handle the accident recovery."