MOL Olefin-1 explosion in Tiszaújváros

Key highlights
  • Explosion occurred during restart of the Olefin-1 unit at Tiszaújváros, triggered by hydrocarbons in a pipeline.
  • One worker died and nine were injured; firefighters contained and extinguished the fire.
  • Other units, including Olefin-2, remained operational and no material impact on refining processes or national fuel supply is expected.
  • MOL has insurance covering technical damage and lost-opportunity (business interruption) losses.

Incident

An explosion occurred this morning at the Olefin-1 plant during its restart at MOL Petrochemicals’ Tiszaújváros site; firefighters contained and extinguished the resulting fire during the morning.

Casualties and response

The incident resulted in one fatality and nine injuries; emergency services responded and extinguished the blaze.

Cause and investigation

A comprehensive investigation has been launched; MOL’s preliminary analysis indicates hydrocarbons in a pipeline of the Olefin-1 unit exploded during the restart.

Operations and supply

Other units in the Tiszaújváros complex, notably Olefin-2, remained operational and MOL expects no material impact on refining processes or the country’s fuel supply security.

Insurance

MOL is insured against such events, with policies covering technical damage and lost-opportunity (business interruption) losses.