Industrial Accident Explosion at YNCC Naphtha Cracker Leaves 4 Dead

A major blast at one of Yeochun NCC’s (YNCC) naphtha crackers in Yeosu, South Korea has left four people dead and others injured. Production at the ethylene and propylene producing cracker has been halted for the time being.

Related Vendors

Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH

TRM Filter d.o.o.

Donadon SDD Srl

Seoul/South Korea – An explosion occurred at YNCC’s naphtha cracker in Yeosu, South Korea early on February 11, 2022 killing four workers and leaving many others injured, according to news reports. It further elaborates that the blast took place during a test at the plant's heat exchange system. Post the incident, South Korean authorities ordered a production halt at the unit.

The South Korean petrochemical company’s cracker produces 470,000 tons of ethylene annually and 260,000 tons of propylene yearly (tpy). Two other crackers of the firm are also stationed at the site but it is yet to be ascertained if they were damaged by the explosion. The first and second naphtha crackers produce 900,000 and about 920,000 tpy of ethylene respectively, state reports.

Under a new law in South Korea, owners or the person in charge can be jailed for a year or more or pay up a fine of up to 834,000 dollars in the case of major industrial accidents.

(ID:47998873)