A fire at a gas and chemical plant in Russia’s Far East has killed 15

A fire erupted at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex in Russia's Far East, resulting in 15 fatalities, according to the plant's management on Thursday. The facility, situated near the Chinese border, is a joint venture between China's state-owned Sinopec and Russian company Sibur. Among the deceased were 14 foreign workers and one Russian citizen. The complex, which is still under construction and slated to commence operations in 2027, specializes in the production of polyethylene and polypropylene.

Video footage from social media depicted workers hastily evacuating the premises upon the fire's ignition on Tuesday. The Amur Gas Chemical Complex reported that the tragedy occurred in an auxiliary process area, and the plant's primary machinery remained unharmed. Russian authorities are currently investigating the incident and are scrutinizing adherence to safety protocols. No evidence of sabotage or foul play has been identified.

The Amur Gas Chemical Complex announced on Wednesday that it had retrieved the bodies of one Russian national and six Chinese citizens. Subsequently, additional bodies were recovered, bringing the total death toll to 15. The company pledged to continue emergency recovery operations in collaboration with Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry, while construction and installation activities at unaffected facilities would proceed as planned.

Air quality testing is ongoing, and no hazardous emissions have surpassed permissible limits. Sinopec has yet to provide a response to inquiries.