In October 2001, a tanker wagon carrying 48 tons of liquefied ammonia was involved in a collision in the Miramas shunting yard. The incident occurred at 3:40 AM when the wagon, containing 48 tons of ammonia under 7 bars of pressure and at -34°C, came into contact with an empty truck flatbed wagon positioned on two tracks after a switch.
The impact caused the wagon's filling pipe to twist and tear off, releasing ammonia into the open air. This event required intervention from the Pompiers13 (Firefighters).
Shunting yards, while essential for the hydrocarbon and chemical industry, present particular risks due to handling operations, the quantities of materials awaiting shipment, and the nature of the substances entering the yard.
This incident, titled 'NH3', is featured in the 10th episode of the podcast 'Les Pompiers13 au cœur de l’action', available on YouTube.
