Explosion at First Chemical Corporation Plant at Pascagoula, MS

14-Oct-2002

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JACKSON, Miss., Oct 13, 2002 - ChemFirst Inc. announced that at approximately 5:30 AM CDT an explosion occurred in the #1 Mononitrotoluene (MNT) distillation column at the First Chemical plant located at Bayou Cassotte Industrial Park in Pascagoula, MS. The column was not in use at the time of the incident. Flying debris from the column ruptured a Paranitrotoluene (PNT) storage tank causing a fire, which was controlled and extinguished by First Chemical employees. The immediate response by company employees, neighboring plant personnel, and local emergency management authorities limited damage to the plant and surrounding areas. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Three employees suffered minor cuts and abrasions from the blast and were transported to a local hospital where they were treated and released.

Access to the plant has been limited and the company is working with appropriate federal, state and local authorities to monitor the site and determine the extent of environmental and physical damage. Fire water and contaminated product from the ruptured PNT tank were contained within the plant and will be treated and disposed of properly.

PNT is an intermediate chemical used in the manufacture of optical brighteners used in home laundry detergents. It is also used in red printing inks.

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