Three people, including one who was semi-conscious, were taken to hospital and hundreds were evacuated on Friday, November 13, following reports of chlorine leaks at the Chimcomplex chemical platform in the city of Râmnicu Vâlcea, southern Romania.
After the initial alert, specialized CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) response teams were deployed to the scene and reported the smell of chlorine outside the site, prompting specific measurements and checks for the possible presence of the substance in the atmosphere. Following this, a chlorine concentration of 10 ppm was recorded outside the industrial site and, as a safety measure, personnel were ordered to evacuate to the eastern part of the site, according to HotNews.
In this context, a Ro-Alert message was issued to warn the population and advise people to take self-protection measures within a 5 km radius. Residents were advised to shelter in their homes, avoid outdoor activities, close doors and windows, seal ventilation openings and switch off ventilation systems.
Emergency response
According to the police, the three people taken to the Emergency Department of Vâlcea County Emergency Hospital are a 42-year-old woman and two men, aged 45 and 30. All three victims were medically assessed, stabilized, and transported by the County Ambulance Service teams to the Râmnicu Vâlcea Emergency Department for investigations and specialised medical care.
Traffic restrictions were also imposed on the access roads to the chemical plant, as well as on certain road sections in its vicinity, to prevent public exposure and facilitate the intervention of specialised teams.
Investigations are currently being carried out to establish the exact circumstances in which the incident occurred and to determine the appropriate legal measures. Police officers are set to remain on the ground in the areas affected by the restrictions, informing road users and nearby residents about the measures in place, while ensuring compliance with the traffic restrictions and supporting the other structures involved in the intervention.
Following measurements carried out by the CBRN teams at distances ranging from 2 to 4 km from the chemical platform, the recorded values were zero, the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) said.
“To manage the situation efficiently and ensure optimal coordination of the response teams, a mobile command post has been set up outside the site. Measurements by the CBRN teams are continuing. The measures announced earlier remain in force until the intervention is completed and it is ensured that there is no longer any danger,” the institution said.
A decontamination area was also set up for personnel at the site, and 260 people were preventively evacuated from the company’s premises, DSU said.
“We advise the population to follow the authorities’ recommendations and remain indoors, where they can be protected,” the Department for Emergency Situations said, adding that the situation is being continuously monitored.
Chimcomplex’s assessment
The company issued a press release and noted that “an incident occurred as a result of the accidental shutdown of a chlorine compressor, which triggered a chain reaction that shut down the subsequent installations” at 7:49 AM.
The only effect of the accidental shutdown was the disruption of the technological flow during the neutralisation phase, where the accidental release into the atmosphere of a small quantity of chlorine, approximately 15.5 kg, was recorded; the same source added.
Chimcomplex officials noted that the approach taken by the Emergency Situations Committee was “much more cautious” than the one required by “the procedure for minor incidents, such as this one.”
“All procedures for the controlled shutdown of all installations were completed, and first aid was immediately provided to all employees working on the platform during that shift,” they said.
According to the same source, five employees who had experienced respiratory problems (irritation and coughing) were identified. They were transported to the hospital, where they were diagnosed with mild poisoning and are in no danger.
The plant is currently completely shut down.
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