A deadly blast at a chocolate factory in the Finlayson area of Finland has claimed the lives of four people and left several others injured. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is still underway, but officials have suggested a potential problem involving the factory’s gas pipeline. Here, we take a look at the investigation and how it might shape the future of gas safety in Finland.
Background on the Blast
On Friday, October 26, 2018, a massive explosion rocked the chocolate factory owned by Fazer Wyborg and located in the Laiva industrial park in the town of Viiala in Finland’s Satakunta Region. The force of the blast was enough to cause severe damage to the building, as well as damage to other nearby buildings in the industrial park.
Four people were killed in the explosion, and several others were injured. A statement released by the company noted the “deep sorrow” felt after the incident and paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
The Cause of the Blast Investigated
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, but initial reports suggested that a problem involving the factory’s gas pipe may have played a role. The town of Viiala and the entire Satakunta Region are heavily dependent on natural gas and there is a large network of pipelines connecting the numerous factories, plants and other buildings in the area.
It is suspected that a defect in one of the gas pipelines at the Fazer Wyborg chocolate factory may have caused the gas to accumulate and eventually explode. Experts from the gas safety division of Finland’s Energy Authority, along with members of the local police, have been investigating the scene since the morning after the explosion.
The Investigation Process
The investigation process is a complex one and involves the careful examination of the entire gas pipeline network in the area. The officials are also examining the metering equipment and any secondary equipment related to the delivery of the gas. They are also reviewing the process of how the gas is delivered and stored at the factory as a part of their process.
Gas is delivered to the factory via several different entrances, and all of these must be examined carefully and in detail to determine the possible causes of the explosion. In addition, the investigators are also examining CCTV footage from the area to get a better picture of the surrounding environment during the time of the explosion.
Potential Causes of the Blast
The investigation into the explosion is still ongoing and the exact cause is still not known. However, experts suspect that the possible causes may include a defect in the gas pipeline, such as a faulty connection, a leak or an issue with the gas valves. In addition, the failure of any safety devices, such as pressure sensors, may also have been a factor in the explosion.
The Potential Impact of the Probe
If it is determined that the explosion was caused by an issue with the gas pipeline, then it will have major implications for gas safety in Finland. Currently, gas safety regulations in Finland are extremely stringent, with regular inspections and mandatory shut-downs of any damaged infrastructure.
However, if the cause of the explosion is found to be related to a gas pipeline, then this could force the regulators to tighten the regulations further and potentially make hefty fines mandatory in order to ensure the safety of the public.
The investigation into the chocolate factory blast in Finland is still ongoing, but initial reports have suggested that an issue with the factory’s gas pipeline may have been the cause of the tragic incident. If so, it could have major implications for gas safety in Finland and could lead to an even stricter set of regulations which must be adhered to.