Story perspectives

Fire at Amur Gas Complex Kills 15, Probe Launched

8/29/2026

Summary

Amur Fire

A fire at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex killed 15 people, including 14 foreign workers.
Six of the foreign victims were Chinese nationals.
Thirty-nine workers remain hospitalized, including nine airlifted to Moscow for treatment.
Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a probe into possible safety violations and the fire’s cause.
The $10 billion Sibur-Sinopec joint venture will produce 2.3 million tonnes polyethylene and 400,000 tonnes polypropylene annually by early 2027.

Summary

Company Extinguishes Fire

The company said all fire hotspots are extinguished while controlled burning of residual gases continues.
TASS reported that a site inspection began after the blaze.
An Emergencies Ministry Il-76 aircraft arrived to transport patients to federal hospitals.
The company announced via Telegram that a Chinese contractor died in the incident.
The fate of nine other Chinese nationals remains unconfirmed after the incident.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 West Fertilizer Company explosion in West, Texas, killed 15 workers and sparked nationwide scrutiny of plant safety. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board reported that inadequate fire suppression systems contributed to the blast, costing $1.5 billion in damages. Similarly, the 2024 Amur Gas Chemical Complex fire in Khabarovsk Krai claimed 15 lives, including 14 foreign workers, prompting a Russian probe. Both incidents underscore the urgency for stricter international safety standards, urging agencies like Russia’s Investigative Committee and the EPA to enforce tighter regulations.

1 of 3

Amur Fire

A fire at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex killed 15 people, including 14 foreign workers.
Six of the foreign victims were Chinese nationals.
Thirty-nine workers remain hospitalized, including nine airlifted to Moscow for treatment.
Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a probe into possible safety violations and the fire’s cause.
The $10 billion Sibur-Sinopec joint venture will produce 2.3 million tonnes polyethylene and 400,000 tonnes polypropylene annually by early 2027.

1 / 3