Myanmar chemical plant explosion causes loss of 2.5 mln USD

The chemical plant explosion in Chauk, central Myanmar's Magway region, on Thursday has caused loss of 2.5 million U.S. dollars, the Fire Department said Friday. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) chemical plant under Myanmar Paper and Chemical Industries of the Ministry of Industry exploded thrice on Thursday afternoon. The explosion, caused by leakage of working solution from an oxidation tower of the main unit, triggered outbreak of fire, official sources confirmed. The fire lasted more than four hours before it was under control and put out, local media reported. Despite no major damage to other buildings in the factory yard, windowpanes were shattered by the explosion. Five factory workers and one fire brigade member sustained injuries, with one chemically intoxicated staff being admitted to the local hospital. The plant lies between Sichopin and Yedwin villages in Chauk.