Fire at chemical plant in Saudi Arabia kills 12, injures 11

Riyadh, Apr 16: Saudi Arabia's state-run news agency says a fire at a chemical plant in the kingdom's east has killed 12 people and injured 11.

The Saudi Press Agency said the fire in al-Jubail happened around 11:40 am on Saturday at the Jubail United Petrochemical Co. The news agency quoted the company as saying the fire began during maintenance at the plant.

The company also said the fire caused thick black smoke, which contributed to the death of the contractors working on the maintenance at the plant.

A telephone number for the plant could not be immediately found last night.

The website for SABIC, a chemical conglomerate based in Riyadh, says the firm holds a 75-percent stake in al-Jubail United Petrochemical Co. SABIC did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

PTI