Lockout at the Hydro plant in Årdal – news Vestland

A worker at Hydro Aluminum in Øvre Årdal is injured after getting liquid metal on him. The emergency services first reported that there had been an explosion at the plant. – There was a loud bang and a small splash of metal out of the area, fortunately everyone followed the routines so no one was in danger, but there was one person in a vehicle who suffered minor burns, says Are Indrelid, at Hydro in Årdal. Head of Information Anders Vindegg in Hydro said that the person received a health check at the site. – The person is now being referred to a doctor, but there should not be any serious injuries. We are happy about that, he says. Notify yourself Watch commander Dan Inge Gjesdal at 110 Vest confirms that the incident occurred in connection with a smelter in the metal noise area. – It does not burn, and there is no risk of leakage, says Gjesdal. It was the smelter itself that notified of the incident at 1223 today. The fire service rushed to the scene with three cars, in addition to the police. – We will collect witness information and investigate what caused the explosion, says site manager Svein Inge Harberg. Between ten and 12 people were evacuated from the facility, which was released by the police this afternoon. They will interview the injured person, who was allowed to go home after being checked by a doctor. – There was no one else nearby. Everyone has been evacuated, and the situation is under control, says the emergency manager for fire in Årdal, Gaute Johnsgaard. Photo: Lasse Styve Andersen / Porten.no The plant is shut down There should be no risk of leakage or any form of spreading. – We do not know the cause of the accident, but we are of course investigating the matter further. We take all such incidents at our work very seriously. One accident is one too many, says Vindegg. Operations manager Steinar Hausvik at the West police district says the facility has been shut down. – Now we are in an investigation phase. We are working in the city to talk to those who have information, he says. The main trustee at the plant, Torleif Sand, was at a conference in Stavanger when he was told about the incident. – I don’t know about the incident, but I hope the injured person is doing well, he says. ØVRE ÅRDAL: The plant is located in Årdal, at the heart of the Sognefjord.



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