History 3 Fire Turns into an Ecological Disaster

This incident resulted in 650 fatalities, more than 6,400 injuries, destruction of the terminal and many of the homes in the neighborhood located adjacent to the terminal. 

Case History 3 Fire Turns into an Ecological Disaster 

A large warehouse fire occurred on November 1, 1986 at a Swiss chemical facility. The warehouse, though originally built for storing machinery, was approved for agro-products and chemicals of flash points above 70°F (21 °C). 

Although many people sustained minor, short-term effects such as headaches and nausea, no serious or long-term damage to the health of the local population was detected. Severe ecological damage was caused to the river over a distance of about 155 miles (250 km), including the death of large numbers of fish and eels. 

The disaster caused much political disturbance throughout Switzerland and Germany, through which the Rhine flows for most of its length. Severe criticism was provoked by the company s long delay in warning the monitoring stations downstream. 

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