A worker injured in an explosion at a chemical factory in Slovenia has died, local media reported on Friday, bringing the total number of casualties to six.
The explosion occurred on Thursday when a tank exploded at the resin factory of the chemical company Melmin in the municipality of Koसेevje, about 60 kilometers south of Ljubljana.
“Unfortunately our fears have been confirmed,” Melmin general manager Sreko Stefanik told reporters.
The force of the explosion “left no chance for them to survive,” he said.
Initially, five people were reported killed and six others injured, including two with severe burns, who were admitted to the hospital.
Public radio reported that one of them died in hospital and the other was in critical condition. AFP was not able to confirm the information.
The tragedy was “caused by a human error,” Stefnik said, refusing to give more details until the investigation is complete.
Local officials initially told residents living within 500 meters around the plant not to leave their homes and to close their windows as a precaution in case of toxic fumes.
The precautionary measure was lifted later on Thursday after officials confirmed no negative impact on the environment.
Photos show columns of black smoke from the factory, which supplies resins for the paper, construction, lumber, rubber and lacquer industries.
According to its website, the company’s factory, established in 1954, employs about 200 people.
,
This article is republished from – Voa News – Read the – original article.
