A collapsed tank in a Tereos sugar distillery

A tank collapsed overnight Monday to Tuesday on the site of the Tereos distillery in Val-des-Marais (Marne), which has produced hydro-alcoholic solutions since the start of the health crisis, we learned from the sugar group. " The weld joint of the tank has failed, causing it to collapse, but no injuries have been reported, " AFP said the group's communication, confirming information from France 3 Grand-Est.

The tank contained approximately 4,000 cubic meters of vinasse, a vegetable organic matter produced from the production of alcohol and used as fertilizer, but " the industrial installations were not affected ". " We immediately set up the pumping operation on the site, and deployed all the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of the 35 employees ", said the group, ensuring that " there should not be any environmental impact significant ”. An investigation is underway to determine the causes of the accident. " All of the tanks had been checked two years ago " and were then "in compliance with standards ", specifies the group. The activity is suspended "until further notice . "

The Val-des-Marais distillery specializes in the manufacture of alcohol but has adapted its activity to produce 40,000 liters of hydro-alcoholic solution since the start of the Covid-19 crisis.