The explosion that occurred at AvestaPolarit's Tornio melt shop line number 2 earlier today, which took three peoples lives, was caused by an oxygen gas pipe that broke for reasons which are still being investigated. Damages to the melt shop equipment have, however, proven to be relatively small as the impact of the explosion in the gas line was only limited.

The current assessment is that the accident will have no impact on stainless steel deliveries from the Tornio Works and the business operations.  The steel melt shop line number 1 is running normally.  The maintenance stoppage, which was going on at the steel melt shop line 2, is expected to be prolonged by a couple of days as repair work due to the fire needs to be done.

The national Accident Investigation Board is commencing its investigations into the cause of the accident still this evening.

In addition to the three fatal casualties, no further people were injured in the explosion and ensuing fire.

From the Tornio-site more information will be given by:

VP- Administration Risto Liisanantti, phone +358 400 581 628
Melt shop manager Mikko Korteniemi, phone +358 40 743 4191
Communications manager Kauko Kontio, phone 358 40 725 5857