Fire at Russian gas complex injures over 120, kills one Chinese worker

Key facts

• A fire occurred at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex in Russia's Far East.
• One Chinese worker died, and over 100 others were injured.
• The complex is a joint venture between Russia's Sibur and China's Sinopec.
• The facility was under construction and preparing for commissioning.

A fire at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex in Russia's Far East has resulted in over 120 injuries and one fatality. The deceased was identified as a Chinese national employed by a contractor. The complex, a joint project between Russia's Sibur and China's Sinopec, is one of the world's largest planned producers of polyethylene and polypropylene but has not yet commenced operations.

Preliminary reports indicate the fire originated in a pyrolysis unit. While the main equipment was reportedly undamaged, specialists are working to extinguish the blaze and manage remaining industrial gases through controlled burns. The facility was in its commissioning phase, with operations anticipated to begin in 2027. Russia often utilizes foreign labor, including from China, for its large infrastructure projects.