An explosion occurred in the final purification column of an ethylene oxide manufacturing plant, resulting in 14 people being injured. The explosion caused several secondary fires on the original units, as well as other units nearby, but all were under control within 30 minutes. The root cause was identified as a rapid overpressurization of the column as a result of decomposition of material within it, although the ignition source was not identified.

[ Property Damage $78 Million. Estimated Current Value $187 Million ]

Image credit: Ineos