On December 3rd, an explosion followed by a fire occurred in a felt preparation workshop where vegetal and synthetic fibers are mixed.
The explosion occurred in a dust filter and associated fiber mixing box at around 5:40 a.m. while the plant was in operation. Flaming material, projected by the explosion, set fire to various machines and to two mass storage areas: bins of felt remnants in the preparation zone and felt reels on racks in the Trimelt preparation zone.
A worker at the scene suffered mild shock from the explosion and was intoxicated by the fumes before managing to leave the building. Evacuation of the plant took place normally.
The sprinkler system was set off and kept the fire from spreading to the rest of the plant. Approximately 60 sprinkler heads were activated, corresponding to a surface area of 500 m2. Firemen and employees took action within 15 minutes but it took 3 hours to fully extinguish the fire.
