Flames as well as the release of smoke were observed in a factory classified as Seveso high threshold, Wednesday January 8, 2024, LAT Nitrogen in Grand-Quevilly, near Rouen. No injuries were reported.
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Wednesday February 8 at 3:00 p.m., a fire broke out at the LAT Nitrogen site, classified Seveso high threshold, in Grand-Quevilly, near Rouen, following the shutdown of an ammonia unit.
LAT Nitrogen, formerly Boréalis, supplies fertilizers and technical nitrogen products intended mainly for farmers. LAT Nitrogen, formerly Boréalis, stores ammonium nitrate, an explosive material.
“A temporary ignition followed by the release of smoke was observed on the Seveso upper threshold site of Lat Nitrogen and noise disturbances resembling the sound of an explosion were heard,” indicates the Seine-Maritime prefecture.
“This ignition, like the noise, was caused by the opening of a safety valve on a chimney, during an incident on an ammonia production unit”explains the prefecture.
The factory activated its internal operation plan and its warning siren. “The crisis management unit was implemented. At 3:10 p.m., the event was under control”indicates the direction of the site on Allô industri.
The safety systems have worked, the unit is shut down. It will only restart following the identification of the origin of the malfunction and safety checks. “For the moment, we do not know why the unit stopped but an investigation will be carried out,” specifies the management of LAT Nitrogen.
No injuries were reported.
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