Part 1: Typical Accidents Occurred in September 2023

The "9.7" Major High Pressure Gas Leakage Accident of Yiding Ecological Agriculture Development Co., Ltd. in Ordos, Inner Mongolia

On September 7, 2023, a major high-pressure gas leakage accident occurred in the gasification workshop of Yiding Ecological Agriculture Development Co., Ltd. in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, resulting in 10 deaths and 3 injuries. The specific cause of the accident is under further investigation.

Part 2: Hazardous Chemical Accidents Occurred in October of History

（1） Domestic accidents

petrochemical industry

PART 01

The "10.27" Major Explosion Accident at Heilongjiang Daqing Petrochemical Plant

On October 27, 2004, an explosion occurred in the sulfur recovery workshop of the refinery of Daqing Petrochemical Company, resulting in 7 deaths and an economic loss of 1.92 million yuan. The direct cause of the accident was that the contractor of the factory, under the guidance and cooperation of the production unit, during the hot work cutting operation of the gas welder at a distance of 0.8 meters from the exhaust line of the raw water tank top of the acidic water stripping device, the gas (hydrogen, hydrocarbons) in the raw water tank leaked from the crack at the root weld of the DN200 pipeline connected to it or the weld joint connected to the tank top plate, encountering a gas cutting open flame or splashed slag, causing an explosion.

PART 02

The "10.22" Major Liquefied Gas Explosion Accident at Shanghai Gaoqiao Petrochemical Refinery

On October 22, 1988, a liquefied gas explosion accident occurred in the Xiaoliangshan spherical tank area of the refinery of Shanghai Gaoqiao Petrochemical Company, resulting in 26 deaths and 15 burns. The direct cause of the accident was that the operators in the spherical tank area of the oil production workshop of the factory were performing a valve opening dehydration operation on a liquefied balloon tank. The operators did not follow the regulations and dehydrated while feeding, causing water and liquefied gas to be discharged together. A large amount of liquid gas escaped through the sewage pool, and the escaped liquid gas spread and spread with the wind. It caught an open fire in the heating furnace in the temporary work shed outside the fence of the spherical tank area, causing a large fire.

Fine Chemicals

PART 01

Inner Mongolia Zhonggao Chemical Co., Ltd. Major Explosion Accident on October 22nd

On October 22, 2021, an explosion occurred at Inner Mongolia Zhonggao Chemical Co., Ltd. located in Alxa High tech Industrial Development Zone, resulting in 4 deaths and 3 injuries. The direct cause of the accident was that during the process of dealing with the blockage of the evaporation discharge pump pipeline, the magnetic circulation pump sucked in air, causing the material in the pump chamber (a mixture of 2-nitro-4-methylsulfonyltoluene and 2-nitro-4-methylsulfonylbenzoic acid) to stop flowing. The material in the pump chamber decomposed and exploded at high temperature, causing the bottom valve of the oxidation evaporation kettle to break. After the high-temperature material in the oxidation evaporation kettle leaked, it encountered an explosive residual open flame, resulting in flash explosion and combustion.

PART 02

A major poisoning accident on October 18th at Runheng Chemical Co., Ltd. in Guangrao County, Shandong Province

On October 18, 2013, a material leakage and poisoning accident occurred in the pharmaceutical intermediate production workshop of Runheng Chemical Co., Ltd. in Guangrao County, Shandong Province, resulting in three deaths and a direct economic loss of approximately 2.706 million yuan. The direct cause of the accident was that the fluoride operator operated in violation of regulations and did not wear necessary labor protection equipment. While the fluoride kettle was under pressure, a pipe wrench was used to tighten the valve cover of the closed stop valve. The thread of the stop valve cover became unstable and slippery, causing the material containing hydrogen fluoride to spray out, resulting in the accident.

PART 03

Zhejiang Changshan County Insulation Materials Co., Ltd. Major Explosion Accident on October 16th

On October 16, 2011, an explosion and combustion accident occurred in the rubber making workshop of Changshan County Insulation Materials Co., Ltd. in Zhejiang Province, resulting in three deaths and three injuries. The direct cause of the accident was that the temperature of a reaction kettle in the company's rubber making workshop was out of control, causing an increase in pressure inside the kettle. The material exploded and the feeding hole cover was opened, and methanol steam mixed with air to form an explosive mixture of gas. In the event of sparks generated by the operation of non explosion-proof electrical equipment in the workshop, detonation occurred.

PART 04

A Major Alcohol Distillation Kettle Explosion Accident on October 22nd at Nanjing Additive Factory in Jiangsu Province

On October 22, 1988, the alcohol distillation pot in the antioxidant DBH workshop of Nanjing Auxiliary Factory in Jiangsu Province exploded due to overpressure, resulting in 4 deaths and 3 serious injuries. The direct cause of the accident was that the alcohol distiller started to extract and heat up after completing the preparation work. Due to the fact that the outlet valve of the alcohol distiller was not opened, when the steam was turned on to heat up, the alcohol distiller changed from a normal pressure state to a pressurized state, and the lid of the distiller was opened. A large amount of alcohol vapor was washed out and mixed with air to form an explosive mixture, which exploded when encountering a fire source.

chemical fertilizer

PART 01

A major explosion accident in the "10.27" synthetic gas space at a fertilizer plant in Wanquan County, Hebei Province

On October 27, 1990, an explosion and fire accident occurred at a fertilizer plant in Wanquan County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, resulting in 5 deaths, 5 burns, and an economic loss of 1.48 million yuan. The direct cause of the accident was that the factory workers used a socket wrench to extend the force arm to tighten the flange bolts for a long time, causing the flange at the west outlet of the 1 # circulating machine in the synthesis section of the joint workshop to deform. The thread connecting the high-pressure U-shaped pipe to the flange fell off, and a large amount of high-pressure mixed gas (hydrogen and nitrogen) was sprayed out, causing a space explosion and forming a fire.

Organic chemical industry

PART 01

Liaoning Chaoyang Jinyao Chemical Products Co., Ltd. Major Poisoning Accident on October 15th

On October 15, 2019, Liaoning Chaoyang Jinyao Chemical Products Co., Ltd. experienced a harmful gas leakage accident during equipment repair, resulting in 3 deaths and 2 medical treatment. The direct cause of the accident was that the enterprise stopped production due to environmental reasons, resumed production without the consent of relevant regulatory authorities, and carried out maintenance operations while the equipment was in operation. Without analyzing safety risks, the employees directly opened the flange of the equipment in production, causing toxic gas and material leakage, resulting in personnel poisoning.

PART 02

Jiangsu Sopu Chemical Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.'s "10.19" major poisoning and suffocation accident

On October 19, 2015, Jiangsu Sopu Chemical Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. was carrying out ash cleaning and maintenance work on the vacuum flash tank in the methanol plant gasification workshop of Jiangsu Sopu Group Co., Ltd. Three ash cleaning workers inside the tank were poisoned and suffocated to death. The direct cause of the accident was that during the process of using tools to flip the thick ash residue at the bottom of the tank, the operator caused a chain reaction of ferrous sulfide in it, which in turn caused the oxidation of coal powder in the ash to produce carbon monoxide. At the same time, the residual sulfide in the ash was released, causing poisoning and suffocation of the construction personnel.

PART 03

Jiangsu Huaiyin Organic Chemical Plant "10.8" Major Explosion Accident

On October 8, 1991, a high-pressure reactor explosion occurred at the Huaiyin Organic Chemical Plant in Jiangsu Province, causing the collapse of the pilot laboratory and the death of three operators. The direct cause of the accident was that during the production of polymer polyethers using ethylene oxide and propylene oxide as raw materials, the operators violated the operating procedures by feeding too many materials at once, resulting in a rapid reaction rate and causing an explosion.

PART 04

A major "10-2" spray poisoning accident at Longsha Chemical Plant in Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province

On October 2, 1989, during the trial production of Longsha Chemical Plant in Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province, a large amount of toxic gases and scorching substances were sprayed out, resulting in 5 deaths and 2 injuries. The direct cause of the accident was that the factory purchased methyl acrylate production technology and put it into trial production without approval from relevant departments, without trial production plans, operating procedures, and safety measures. Due to abnormal chemical reactions of the materials, a large amount of toxic gases and scorching materials were ejected from the reactor, resulting in accidents.

Inorganic Chemical Industry

PART 01

The "10 · 3" major poisoning accident at Hongyanwan Chemical Plant in Baokang County, Hubei Province

On October 3, 2013, a hydrogen sulfide poisoning accident occurred in the yellow phosphorus workshop purification section of Hubei Yaozhihe Chemical Co., Ltd. Hongyanwan Chemical Plant, resulting in 3 deaths and 5 injuries, with a direct economic loss of 2.38 million yuan. The direct cause of the accident was that during the cleaning operation of the 5 # circulating tank, hydrogen sulfide gas escaped from the tank, causing the operator to inhale and become poisoned. The rescuers did not wear appropriate personal protective equipment and blindly entered the rescue slot, resulting in poisoning one after another.

PART 02

Shandong Yantai Kaishi Industrial Co., Ltd. "10.11" Major Poisoning Accident

On October 11, 2007, a hydrogen sulfide poisoning accident occurred among the operators of the second material preparation workshop of Shandong Yantai Kaishi Industrial Co., Ltd. during the feeding process, resulting in 5 deaths. The direct cause of the accident was that the operator, in order to rush the time, added 1.5 tons of nickel sulfide concentrate powder to the No.2 leaching tank at once, causing the absorption tower to not fully absorb the large amount of hydrogen sulfide gas generated and causing the tank to overflow. The overflowing hydrogen sulfide caused poisoning and death of 5 people.

PART 03

Shandong Qingdao Dongfang Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "10.15" Major Sulfuric Acid Leakage Accident

On October 15, 2005, Qingdao Dongfang Chemical Co., Ltd. experienced a sulfuric acid tank rupture accident, resulting in 6 deaths and 13 minor injuries. The direct cause of the accident was that the company independently designed and manufactured sulfuric acid storage tanks without design and construction qualifications or capabilities. During construction, the construction is not carried out in accordance with the standards, the design is arbitrarily changed, rough manufacturing is made, and inspection, inspection, and acceptance standards are not implemented, resulting in unreasonable structural forms of the wall panels. A 1750 cubic meter sulfuric acid storage tank suddenly experienced a penetrating rupture during use, resulting in over 2800 tons of sulfuric acid leaking from the tank, leading to the occurrence of the accident.

PART 04

Hunan Zhuzhou Chemical Caustic Soda Branch Plant's "10.18" Major Explosion Accident

On October 18, 1988, an explosion occurred at the Zhuzhou Chemical Soda Branch in Hunan Province, resulting in three deaths and two injuries. The direct cause of the accident was a sudden decrease in hydrogen chloride flow caused by a hydrogen pump trip, resulting in an imbalance in the chlorine hydrogen ratio of the hydrogen chloride synthesis furnace, resulting in the formation of hydrogen chloride containing excessive free chlorine. When adjusting the flow rate of acetylene, the vinyl chloride synthesis operator caused hydrogen chloride gas containing excessive free chlorine to reverse flow through the mixer to the acetylene control valve section, causing a violent chemical reaction and causing a sharp increase in pressure inside the acetylene pipe, leading to explosion and ignition.

medicine

PART 01

A major fire accident on October 21st at Xinfa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in Kenli County, Shandong Province

On October 21, 2013, a fire accident occurred at Xinfa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in Kenli County, Shandong Province, resulting in 4 deaths and 1 injury. The direct cause of the accident was the rupture of the heat transfer oil pipeline on the outer side of the west wall of the vitamin B2 workshop of Xinfa Pharmaceutical (which has been shut down for one month). The leaked high-temperature heat transfer oil ignited packaging materials and finished products, and generated a large amount of smoke, trapping five people who were carrying out insulation construction on the fourth floor platform, resulting in four deaths and one injury.

other

PART 01

Guangxi Yulin Lanke New Material Technology Co., Ltd. "10.15" Major Explosion Accident

On October 15, 2019, an explosion occurred at Guangxi Lanke New Material Technology Co., Ltd. located in the northern industrial concentration area of Luchuan County, Yulin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, resulting in 4 deaths and 8 injuries. The direct cause of the accident was that during the production of phenolic resin, the reaction was out of control due to changes in the state and number of inputs of sodium hydroxide. The temperature of the reaction tank was out of control, causing an instant surge in internal pressure, ultimately leading to an explosion accident.

PART 02

Shaanxi Hengxiang Biochemical Co., Ltd.'s "10.11" major poisoning and suffocation accident

On October 11, 2019, a poisoning and suffocation accident occurred at the sewage treatment plant of Hengxiang Biochemical Co., Ltd. in Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, resulting in six deaths. The direct cause of the accident was that during the company's shutdown, due to continuous rain and overcast weather, workers at the sewage treatment plant accidentally fell into the flocculation mixing tank while inspecting it. After the worker discovered the danger, they sought help from 5 workers who were stationed in the neighboring factory area. During the rescue process, 5 people fell into the pool and were poisoned and suffocated.

PART 03

The "10.13" major suffocation accident of Blue Sky United Gas Co., Ltd. in Xishui County, Hubei Province

On October 13, 2015, a suffocation accident occurred at Hubei Xishui Lantian United Gas Co., Ltd., resulting in three deaths and a direct economic loss of approximately 1.6 million yuan. The direct cause of the accident was that the drilling operation required water, and two construction workers brought water pumps to lift the two cement cover plates at the entrance of the sealed storage tank foundation groove water pit without authorization. They were preparing to fetch water from the water pit at the bottom of the storage tank. Due to the operation of the air separation equipment, a large amount of nitrogen gas was discharged into the storage tank foundation groove through the hidden ditch (with a nitrogen content of 95%), and the two of them fainted and suffocated after inhaling high concentration nitrogen gas. Another employee of the company unfortunately drowned while searching for someone.

PART 04

The "10.8" Major Explosion Accident of Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. in Boxing County, Shandong Province

On October 8, 2013, a major explosion occurred during the production and operation of the thin oil sealed dry gas holder of Chengli Gas Supply Co., Ltd. in Boxing County, Shandong Province, resulting in 10 deaths and 33 injuries, resulting in a direct economic loss of 32 million yuan. The direct cause of the accident was that during the operation of the company's gas tank, the viscosity of the sealing oil decreased, and the inclination of the piston exceeded the process requirements, resulting in a large amount of leakage of the sealing oil, a decrease in oil level, and the failure of the piston sealing system. This caused gas to escape from the lower space of the piston to the upper space of the piston, mixing with air to form an explosive gas mixture, and exploding when encountering an ignition source.

（2） Foreign accidents

PART 01

Fire and explosion accident at BASF Chemical Plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany

On October 17, 2016, a fire and explosion accident occurred at the BASF headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany, resulting in 2 deaths, 6 serious injuries, and 2 missing. The following year, the death toll increased to 5. The explosion first occurred on a supply line connecting the port and oil depot in Ludwig Port, and then the fire spread to other equipment. The fire also caused the closure of adjacent steam cracking plants. The direct cause of the accident: The contractor's personnel cut the wrong pipe while using an angle grinder to cut the pipe. The sparks generated during the cutting ignited the residual butene mixture in the pipe, causing an explosion and fire.

PART 02

Fire and explosion accident at the Lichuan ABS resin factory in South Korea

On October 4, 1989, a fire and explosion occurred at the ABS resin factory in Lichuan, South Korea, causing 14 deaths and more than 20 injuries, resulting in a direct economic loss of approximately 3 billion Korean won. A few hours before the accident, a large amount of powdered resin leaked from the canvas covering the upper part of an extruder. At the same time, the powder resin enters between the extruder hood and the electric heater, comes into contact with the electric heater, and is heated and decomposed on the surface of the electric heater to produce combustible gas. The combustible gas generated diffuses towards the first and second floors, resulting in a continuous explosion.