Tukes to investigate explosion at Mondi Powerflute paper mill in Kuopio

The Safety and Chemicals Agency, Tukes, will begin an on-site investigation at Mondi Powerflute’s paper mill in Kuopio on Friday. This follows an explosion incident at the facility on Monday, when the pressure in a pulp tank surged unexpectedly. As a result, the roof of the tank was propelled onto the factory roof, causing it to collapse over an area of approximately 600 square meters. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Tukes’ investigative team will arrive at the factory to review the events leading up to the incident and will interview the factory’s management, employees, and responsible personnel, including those overseeing chemical matters. The agency has not released specific details regarding the interviews at this stage.

Kirsi Levä, head of Tukes’ industrial unit, noted that the explosion incident is highly unusual, and there have been no similar prior cases known to Tukes. The agency’s objective is to determine the cause of the accident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“Something must have happened in that tank. There must be chemicals involved and some ignition source that led to such a powerful reaction,” Levä explained.

Tukes will utilize the preliminary investigations and interviews already conducted by the Accident Investigation Agency (Otkes) as part of their inquiry. Additionally, the investigation will incorporate the factory’s licensing and regulatory documents since the facility is under Tukes’ supervision.