Gas Disaster - "Chain of unfortunate circumstances" led to gas failure.
Serious Gas Leak in Hadamar Factory in February Caused by "Convergence of Unfortunate Circumstances" During Maintenance
According to an expert report, the serious gas leak at a plant in Hadamar in February was triggered by a "convergence of unfortunate circumstances" during maintenance work. "Human error by the performing technician was not found to be the cause," the Darmstadt Regional Government, the supervisory authority, stated. At the end of February, there was an incident at the propane gas transshipment and distribution center in the Niederzeuzheim district, with up to 174 tons of propane gas escaping into the open.
Man Seriously Injured in House Collapse
Due to the resulting explosion risk, houses and apartments within a 400-meter safety radius around the tank had to be evacuated. In the night after the leak was discovered, a man was seriously injured in an explosion and subsequent house collapse. According to police reports, he had returned to the house despite the instructions of the security forces.
Multiple Safety Barriers Failed
"The incident has nothing to do with the regular operation of the transshipment and distribution center, but is related to maintenance work on a plant part that is not used in normal operation," the Regional Government explained. Several safety barriers had failed. Among other things, a ball valve was leaking and internally damaged - which was not detectable from the outside. Ball valves are shut-off valves used for gas tanks, for example.
Operation Still Not Allowed to Resume
The defect also rendered the second technical safety barrier, an automatic quick-closing device, ineffective, as stated in the expert report. The operation of the plant remains prohibited, the Regional Government stated. First, the operator must submit an updated overall concept that incorporates the findings from the incident.
Despite the incident occurring in Hadamar, the affected plant is located in the Niederzeuzheim district of Hessen. Due to the failure of multiple safety barriers, including a leaking and internally damaged ball valve, the operation of the plant in Hessen remains prohibited at this time.
