Investigation into Tiszaújváros plant explosion closed, Mol fined for safety breaches

The labour inspection authority has finalized its inquiry into the explosion that occurred at Mol Petrolkémia’s Olefin-1 unit in Tiszaújváros, which claimed one life and left multiple employees wounded. The investigation uncovered major safety gaps, prompting the authority to levy a fine against Mol and mandate a full audit of the plant’s technological and protective equipment. Mol is required to enhance employee information, document accident investigations thoroughly, expand risk assessments, and implement scheduled maintenance of critical pipelines and components.

The incident happened as the plant was being restarted after a maintenance shutdown, when operators detected icing on a pipe. Police have launched a criminal case for negligent endangerment resulting in death. A Mol internal committee has also been tasked with examining the explosion’s causes.