ARGENTINA – Two killed and four injured following explosion at Argentine biofuel plant

Two workers have died and four others have been injured following an explosion at a biofuel production facility in Puerto General San Martín, Santa Fe province, Argentina.

The incident occurred at around 3pm on Tuesday at the Albardon Bio plant, located in the Punta Quebracho industrial area of the San Lorenzo department.

Emergency services were called to the facility following the blast, which caused damage to parts of the plant, including structural damage and partial collapses in some areas. Response teams worked to secure the site and establish whether anyone else remained trapped inside the affected areas.

The explosion reportedly occurred during the unloading of a truck. Tanks containing methanol were affected by the incident.

The two fatalities were workers employed by a subcontracted company providing services at the plant. Four other people were injured and received medical attention following the explosion.

Cause remains under investigation

Authorities have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The precise cause of the explosion has not yet been established.

Investigators will examine the unloading operation and the conditions surrounding the methanol tanks to determine how the incident developed. They are also expected to assess the safety procedures and controls in place at the facility at the time.

Methanol is a flammable liquid used extensively in industrial processes and is also used in the production of biofuels.

Further information is expected as the investigation into the incident progresses.

Photo credit: Elonce. All rights reserved.