Focus Taiwan
Date: 07/16/2020
By: Ching Yi-ching and Evelyn Kao

Taipei, July 16 (CNA) A fire that broke out Wednesday at a refinery in an industrial compound operated by Formosa Petrochemical Corp. (FPC) in Mailiao, Yunlin County, injuring three workers, has been initially determined to be caused by human negligence, an official said Thursday.

A preliminary investigation showed that the fire was caused by hydrogen leaks, which were likely the result of human operational errors and negligence, according to Lee Chun-hsing (李俊興), chief of the county's Economic Affairs Department.

The blaze broke out after an explosion occurred at the second refinery of FPC's sixth naphtha cracker complex. The fire affected an area of about 2,000 square meters, causing damages to metal pipe lines, factory sinks and other facilities.

The refinery has been closed and investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.
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