Industrial accident kills two in Olen

Two men were killed yesterday when an explosion occurred during welding work at the metals processing plant of Umicore at Olen in Antwerp province. Umicore, formerly known as Union Minière, employs about 1,000 people at the plant, which produces a number of products based mainly on nickel and cobalt. The company is one of the country’s leading manufacturers and is included in the Bel20 stock exchange index.

The accident is being investigated by the prosecutor’s office in Antwerp, with the help of experts provided by the company. In a statement, Umicore declined to speculate on the cause but expressed surprise that such an accident could take place given the security procedures at the plant.

The two workers, Bob Van De Weyer, 27, and Marc Blockx, 54, were making repairs to a six-metre tank containing a residue of hydrochloric acid. The accident is the first at the plant in more than 13 months – an impressive record for the type and size of works concerned. Following the explosion, psychological support and counselling was provided for the families and colleagues of the two workers.