A fire at a major gas chemical complex in Russia’s far eastern Amur region has killed seven people, including six Chinese nationals, while nine others remain missing, plant officials said Wednesday.
The blaze broke out at the facility, which is being developed as a joint project by Russian petrochemical company Sibur and Chinese energy giant Sinopec. Officials said 152 people were treated for injuries following the incident, with 36 requiring hospitalization. An emergency services aircraft was sent to the region to help transport injured workers to medical facilities elsewhere in Russia.
The complex describes itself as one of the world’s largest producers of polyethene and polypropylene. However, the facility had not yet begun commercial operations and was undergoing preparations for its production launch when the fire occurred.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze and assessing the extent of the damage. Rescue teams continue to search for the missing workers as emergency operations remain underway at the site.
