At least 12 people were killed and 129 injured in an explosion and fire at a petrochemicals plant that manufactured polybutadiene. In addition, thousands of people were evacuated from adjacent factories and communities within a three-kilometre-radius of the site. The explosion and subsequent fire sent thick black smoke into the air above the site. The deaths and injuries were as a result of blast injuries, burns, and inhalation of toxic fumes. It was reported that the explosion and fire occurred while workers were cleaning the polymer production line to change between batches, using toluene as a cleaning solvent.

[ Property Damage $143 Million. Estimated Current Value $156 Million ]

Image credit: Rigzone