Rescue Workers Search in the Rubble of a Chemical Fertiliser Factory
Date: 24-Sep-01
Country: FRANCE
Author: PW
Photo: REGIS DUVIGNAU
The AZF unit of oil giant TotalFinaElf exploded September 21, 2001 killing at least 25 people and injuring more than 600. The explosion on the outskirts of the southwestern city of Toulouse flattened the surrounding are, blew out windows in the city centre and sent a pall of smoke billowing over nearby houses. Officials ruled out a criminal attack, saying the explosion was due to an accident.