An explosion and fire at the Melamin chemical factory in Kočevje, Slovenia, has left over 20 people injured, with two in critical condition and five missing. The fire has been extinguished and dangerous substances contained, but the factory building is severely damaged and nearby buildings have window cracks. Melamin is classified as a high-risk facility for the environment and is a major employer in the region. This incident is the worst industrial fire in Slovenia's recent history, with previous incidents mostly resulting in material damage.
More than twenty people were injured in an explosion and fire that broke out at the chemical factory Melamin in Kočevje in southern Slovenia. Two sustained severe burns and five persons are still missing. According to Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, the fire has now been put out and dangerous substances contained.
The Melamin building is badly damaged and the explosion also caused window cracks on near-by buildings.
Melamin is classified as a facility of greater risk for the environment under environmental legislation. The company, which is one of the largest employers in the region, produces mostly resins for paints and varnishes for the wood, construction and textile industry.
At the end of 2021, the company employed just more than 190 people. In 2021, the company generated EUR 67.3 million in sales revenue, 41% more than the year before. Net profit was up by 26% to just under EUR 3.3 million.
Given the number of injured, this is the worst industrial fire in Slovenia's recent history. As many as 17 industrial fires have been recorded since 1995, resulting mostly in material damage.