At the beginning of August, a sensational explosion took place at the industrial estate in Lebring in Styria. A water tank exploded and an employee was injured. Detectives have now clarified the cause: “It was human error.” Apparently a cable was installed incorrectly.
Fire investigators from the State Criminal Investigation Department (LKA) and experts from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (BK) worked for weeks with those responsible at the affected company to determine the cause of the explosion. For this purpose, secured data – the company conducts research in the field of developing hydrogen technologies – was evaluated.
Cable laid incorrectly
About a month later, based on the investigation conducted so far, it can now be assumed that an incorrectly installed compressed air line apparently led to overpressure in the exploded hydrogen tank. The pipe of a nearby hydrogen tank that had been connected days earlier may also have caused irregularities and increased pressure in the hydrogen tank, which later exploded.
Further investigations are underway
“The cause of the explosion can therefore be attributed to human error,” the police press service said. Further studies in this regard are underway. During the investigation, a general defect or even a technical cause can be ruled out.
In early August, a loud boom caused panic in the greater Lebring area. According to eyewitnesses, the explosion, which occurred in the afternoon hours, could be heard for miles. Some claim to have felt a distinct wave of pressure.
Employees in the hospital
A 39-year-old employee, who was in the lounge, was injured in the shoulder by flying objects during the incident. For safety reasons, the reconnaissance was initially carried out exclusively with aerial drones. Due to the increased explosion risk, the area was closed off on a large scale at the time.
Source: Krone
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