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An explosion at a petrochemical plant in eastern Hungary has left one person dead and seven others injured, following repairs to the facility earlier today. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration is currently dealing with the consequences of the blast, at the Százhalombatta site of MOL, the country’s largest oil and gas company. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
In the small town of Tiszaújváros, a massive explosion is said to have occurred at around 2:00 pm (1400 GMT) during the startup of a production unit, after completion of maintenance work. The authorities confirmed that one person died in the incident and seven others were injured, who have all been taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Hungarian media reported that one person succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the blast. However, rescue efforts were said to be in full swing soon after. Hungarian rescue services managed to rescue seven people who were injured. An eyewitness account stated that an intense blast caused the nearby residential area to evacuate. It is reported that many of the plant’s workers had been evacuated before the blast.
The site’s management was criticized for the poor safety conditions. Local environmental groups said they were monitoring the air quality and that hazardous air pollutants exceeding safe limits should be closely monitored. Nonetheless, no hazardous substances above acceptable levels were detected during the early assessment, said the local government.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called an emergency session in response to the blast, stating that the government is working closely with the affected region and with the operators of the site to determine the cause of the explosion. In a televised statement he assured the public that he would be keeping a watchful eye and that a prompt assessment of the incident would be conducted.
Hungary’s prime minister announced the investigation into the blast, including a review of the restart process at the site and the response of the authorities.