Latvian pharmaceutical plant blast injures two
17 April 2013
On April 16 an explosion took place at the Olainfarm pharmaceutical plant in Olaine, central Latvia, according to the Baltic Times. The explosion took place at around 9:20 a.m., and was caused by a toluene vapour leak. Two persons were injured in the explosion, and have been taken to hospital.
Several windows were knocked out, and work has halted in two production sites. However, work continues as usual in the rest of the plant.
Olainfarm says the explosion has caused no harm or pollution to the surrounding environment. An internal investigation has been started to find out the circumstances of the explosion.
State Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman Viktorija Sembele said a fire had not broken out at the plant when firefighters arrived at the scene, but that several windows were broken from the explosion. She added that there is no threat of collapse of the building where the explosion took place.