Accident Investigation Board examines explosion at Mondi factory in Kuopio

The Accident Investigation Board is continuing its examination today following yesterday’s explosion incident at the Mondi factory in Kuopio’s Sorsasaari. The Board is assessing whether there is a need to initiate an investigation into the explosion. They announced via social media on Monday evening that further information is required before making a decision on whether to launch an investigation. The decision will also depend on whether another party is conducting a probe and to what extent.

The explosion occurred around noon on Monday in the mass tank of the Mondi Powerflute paper mill, causing the tank’s roof to be propelled onto the factory’s roof. The factory roof collapsed over an area of approximately 600 square meters. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as no employees were in the factory area below the collapse at the time of the incident. The local fire department inspected the premises and determined that the situation would be handled by the factory.

Investigators from the Accident Investigation Board arrived on-site Monday to evaluate the necessity of starting a formal investigation. According to Mondi Powerflute’s CEO Juha Koukka, operations at the factory have been suspended for the time being.