Monday, October 28 at around 11:30 a.m., an explosion blew out part of a building in the production laboratory of the company Apimab laboratories (Propolia), better known under the trade name Miellerie du Salagou, located on Avenue du Lac.
Seven employees present were taken care of by the numerous emergency services responding to the scene. Three with superficial injuries were examined on site and four others evacuated to hospitals in Clermont-l'Hérault and Montpellier for medical examinations.
Under the effect of the blast, the exterior walls made of cellular concrete originally placed on a metal frame collapsed onto the cars parked nearby, while part of the ceiling and roof were ripped open.
In view of the extent of the damage likely to compromise the safety of people, the mayor issued an extremely urgent security order that same day prohibiting access to this building and the immediate surroundings.
Only part of the laboratory is affected
The next day, Tuesday October 29, a new urgent security order still in progress and replacing the first came to refine the prohibitions. A week later, Monday November 4, reached by telephone Dorothée Bouche, marketing manager, representing the company returns to what her company describes as a technical incident: “Everything is still unclear on our side. The reasons for this explosion are not known, the assessment is still in progress. Members of our team suffered emotional shock, but did not have physical injuries. Some benefited from two days of sick leave, linked to the emotional shock and the time for medical checks. Only part of the laboratory is affected by this incident, i.e. less than 500 m². Production can continue in the current part without employees being technically unemployed. The existing stock suffered no damage, as did the store. This sales space located in another building remains open to customers.“
The origin of the explosion therefore remains to be determined, as do the products and energy involved that could explain such a blast.
Midi Libre correspondent: 06 03 85 48 00
