The Lubrizol factory in Rockton (Illinois) which recalls the images of Rouen in 2019. – Scott Olson
The images are cold in the back and rekindle memories. Two years after the Rouen disaster, a Lubrizol factory caught fire on Monday, in Rockton in the State of Illinois (United States). At around 7 a.m., a fire broke out in the factory, emitting thick black smoke, followed by several impressive explosions. The company, named Chemtool, which manufactures oils and lubricants for the industry has had to evacuate its 200 employees.
Employees and residents of the area evacuated
In a press release, issued a few hours after the fire, the Lubrizol group specified that “everything is secure on the site”, before adding that “at present, we are focusing on the safety of employees and workers. around the factory. As a precaution, authorities evacuated all residents within a mile. The press release also states that the causes of the start of the fire have not been identified for the moment and analyzes are underway to determine the impact of the disaster on the health of residents and on the environment. According to CNN media, a firefighter was already injured during the operations.
MASSIVE FIRE: Large flames from the chemical plant near Rockton, Ill. caused heavy smoke to cover the air in the area. The plant has been burning since 7 am and the smoke continues to go south and southeast. https://t.co/2H2vW9lEv7 pic.twitter.com/9GjY1jkMYR
– ABC 7 Chicago (@ ABC7Chicago) June 14, 2021
The Lubrizol group was already implicated on September 26, 2019 in the fire at its Rouen factory where more than 4,000 tonnes of products had burned. Lubrizol was indicted in the context of a judicial investigation, for the non-compliant operation of the Seveso classified installation. The firm requested that the indictment be quashed. Justice is due to render its decision on this matter on June 30.