It was a blast that few people in the Emmen area missed. An explosion took place at biomass processor Milling Company Europe last night, blowing out part of the facade on two sides of the building. Although the material damage is extensive, no one was injured in the explosion.
The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be determined, but according to Bart Raaijmakers of the Drenthe Safety Region, it strongly resembles a dust explosion. He said that this morning on Radio Drenthe. But what exactly is a dust explosion?
“A dust explosion occurs when oxygen mixes with a flammable substance, such as wood dust or flour, in an enclosed space,” Raaijmakers explains. “As soon as an ignition source is present, for example a spark or electrical charge, the mixture can explode.”
Flour producers, animal feed companies or, as in the case of Milling Company Europe, a biomass power plant, are particularly at risk of these types of explosions. The company converts materials of plant or animal origin into energy sources.
Raaijmakers reports on behalf of the Safety Region that the situation was already under control last night. “Between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. we transferred the building to the municipality of Emmen. This ended our involvement.”
The municipality has announced that it will further assess the situation. “Are there still risks? Is there a danger to the environment? What measures are necessary?”, summarizes spokesperson Alice van der Holt.
“We have carried out extensive inspections today to map the extent of the damage, to assess whether there is damage to the structure that affects the safety of the building and the surrounding area and to determine whether the property can be safely entered,” Van der Holt continues.
The municipality is in consultation with the owner of the building about further steps. Today, work began on removing the damaged facade from the outside, the spokesperson says.
Since 2022, the Labor Inspectorate has had special work instructions for limiting the risk of dust explosions. The service ensures safe working conditions, but only takes action when employees are injured or in danger. Because no one was injured in the explosion in Emmen, the Labor Inspectorate is now (still) keeping its distance.
Milling Company Europe has announced that activities in the building have been halted for the time being. The company does not want to respond substantively at this time.