- An unknown quantity of acetyl chloride leaked at CABB's Pratteln site.
- The leak produced an odor but no injuries or water contamination occurred.
- Local residents were advised to stay indoors as a precaution.
- The cause of the leak is under investigation with findings due next week.
Incident Overview
On April 27, 2024, a leak of acetyl chloride occurred at CABB's Pratteln facility. The leak resulted in a cloud that produced an odor detectable outside the company's premises. The external fire brigade managed the situation overnight, and no injuries were reported.
Substance Details
Acetyl chloride, used as an intermediate product at the plant, releases a vinegar-like vapor when in contact with moisture. While the vapor can be corrosive in high concentrations, no elevated levels were detected outside the premises, and no water contamination occurred.
Safety Measures
As a precaution, local residents were advised by police to close windows and stay indoors. The on-site and external firefighting services effectively contained the odor nuisance, and the leak was stopped. The cause of the leak is under investigation, with findings expected next week.
Community Impact
The Alertswiss app successfully notified local residents, although media coverage drew inaccurate parallels to past incidents, causing unnecessary public concern. The company is addressing these misconceptions while focusing on the investigation.
