A significant explosion at Indavers flagship Antwerp plant yesterday (Thursday 13 Sept 2018) has left one dead and four injured.
A statement issued by Indaver has attributed the explosion to the discharge of liquid waste into a storage tank and stated that an enquiry will have to determine the exact sequence of events.
The accident happened at the same plant that was rocked by a huge explosion in February 2016, which saw 60 firefighters rush to control an explosion described by the fire service as a ‘municipal disaster’ and saw the nearby road tunnel shut down with residents requested to close doors and windows.
A CHASE spokesperson said “We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and we are keeping our fingers crossed for those injured. Indaver have some serious questions to answer. The company has assured us that this couldn’t happen in Cork Harbour, but this second major explosion within the lifespan of their third application moves the situation away from hypothetical and into reality, making it hard to take any assurances seriously .
This latest tragedy highlights reinforces the insanity of locating this type of lethal facility yards from a bus stop for students to and from the Marine College and at the end of a cul-de-sac.”
Permission for the Ringaskiddy incinerator was granted by An Bord Pleanala on May 29, against the recommendation of the Oral Hearing Inspector for a third time.
Following an appeal to the High Court by CHASE, the green light was given to launch a judicial review and 12 February 2019 fixed as the commencement date with 8 days allocated for the hearing.