Two workers killed in oil refinery explosion

Two workers were killed yesterday in an explosion at the Total oil refinery in the port of Antwerp. The incident, described by the company as “a steam explosion”, took place at about 15.00 in a part of the refinery that produces petroleum ether.

A steam explosion takes place when pressure inside a vat increases and has no means of escape. Such an explosion can create a huge blast and also a great deal of heat – estimated in this case at 350 degrees Celsius.

The site was evacuated and part of the refinery shut down. One of the victims was employed by a subcontractor; the other was a Total employee. According to company spokesperson Vera Remans, “there was initially talk of another missing person, but luckily that proved to be unfounded”.

An inspection of the site was delayed to allow a large cloud of steam on the scene to disperse. There was no fire and no release of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, the Antwerp fire service said. Neither the municipal nor provincial disaster plan was launched.

The precise cause of the explosion is under investigation, and the company declined to speculate. “It’s far too early for that,” said Remans. “Our first thoughts go out to the families of the victims."