Sète, France – An explosion at an oilseed plant in Sète, France, on 10 April resulted in serious injuries for one individual. The incident took place at a Saipol-operated facility in the port of Sète, located near Montpellier on the southern coast of France.
Saipol reported that the explosion occurred around 16:40 in the esterification unit while the facility was undergoing its annual maintenance shutdown. The explosion led to a fire, which emergency services were able to bring under control by approximately 18:10.
Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the fire. Saipol is collaborating closely with authorities to provide necessary information. Following the incident, one Saipol employee sustained serious injuries and was promptly transported to a hospital. A psychological support unit has been established for employees and subcontractors and will remain available for as long as needed.
According to Saipol, operations on the site, particularly the resumption of maintenance activities, are expected to resume soon in coordination with authorities. The biodiesel production workshop affected by the fire has been issued an emergency order by the prefecture.
Established in 1983, Saipol is a subsidiary of the Avril group specializing in processing oilseeds such as rapeseed and sunflower for both human and animal consumption.
The accident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers present in industrial facilities and the importance of thorough safety protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. As investigations continue, it is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize safety and learn from this unfortunate event to ensure the well-being of all workers and the surrounding community.