Three people were seriously injured Monday in an explosion and fire at a chemical plant near the southeastern French city of Lyon, local authorities said.
The prefect of the Rhône department for platform X said people were advised to avoid the area and stay indoors, but that “at this moment” there was no risk of poisoning for local residents.
ALERTE – Explosion signalé sur le site Seveso seuil haut d’Elkem Silicones à Saint-Fons, près de Lyon. Au moins 4 personnes blessées, dont deux grièvement.
Le plan ORSEC vient d’être déclenché, un perímètre de 1700 mètres autour de l’entreprise est mis en place et des routes… pic.twitter.com/LFSPBzNhVO— Infos Françaises (@InfosFrançaises) December 22, 2025
The fourth person was slightly injured, and the fire is under control, he added.
About 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
Major road, rail and river routes were closed throughout the area.
Elkem, a Norwegian chemical company, produces silicones, silicon, foundry alloys, carbon and microsilicon and other materials.
– We will conduct investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the explosion, Elkema said in a statement.
(Vijesti.ba)
