OREANDA-NEWS At the chemical plant Vynova in the Belgian commune of Tessenderlo in the province of Limburg, an explosion occurred. It is reported by RTL TV channel with reference to emergency services. The causes of the explosion are not reported.

The incident occurred early in the morning due to a major leak of an unnamed chemical. After the explosion, a cloud of gas rose above the plant. Then, according to RTBF, the cloud was taken in the direction of the station of the city of Hulst.  While there is no accurate data on the leakage of what kind of substance in question. Local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.  Belgian media reports there are no injuries or casualties so far. The investigation is ongoing at the moment.

As reported by Het Belang van Limburg, to date, the leakage of the substance is eliminated, there is no danger to residents. According to De Morgen, this year due to the chlorine leak, the plant has already carried out the evacuation of the population.

Vynova is a European PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and chlor-alkali company that has production sites in five countries with an annual turnover of about one billion euros.

The Vynova plant produces ethylene dichloride and monovinyl chloride, the two main building blocks for PVC production. The first substance has an irritating effect on the skin, the second — very toxic and affects the nervous system, and also causes malignant tumors. It dissipates in the air in three days.

A month ago, on September 4, the head of the Republic of Crimea announced the release of chemicals at one of the plants in the region. The concentration of harmful substances in the air in the North of the Peninsula exceeded the permissible norm, in this regard, the Crimean Titan plant was stopped for two weeks. In addition, the evacuation of children from Armyansk to the health resorts of Crimea began.

The cause of emissions of harmful substances in the North of the Peninsula was the evaporation of the content of the acid accumulator used by the enterprise Crimean titanium.