Death toll rises to 15 after explosion and fire at Amur Gas Chemical Complex in Russia

The death toll from the explosion and fire at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex (AGCC) in Russia has risen to 15, the company’s press service reported on Thursday, August 27.

“Search and rescue operations have concluded. The deaths of 15 people have been confirmed, including one Russian national and 14 foreign nationals (foreign nationals are from China – ed.). All the victims were employees of contracting organizations. Thirty-nine people continue to receive medical treatment,” the statement said.

Emergency recovery work has already begun at the site. Air quality checks continue on the factory’s premises, in surrounding areas, and in the nearest settlements.

"There have been no recorded cases of exceeding maximum permissible concentrations of harmful substances," the company assured.

The fire broke out on August 25 at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex in Russia’s Far East, where construction is still underway. Earlier reports indicated eight dead and more than 150 injured.

The Amur Gas Chemical Complex is a joint project of Sibur (60%) and China’s Sinopec (40%), and is set to become one of the world’s largest polymer producers with a capacity of 2.7 million tons per year. The $11 billion facility was originally scheduled to open in 2024, but due to inability to procure equipment amid the war in Ukraine and sanctions, commissioning has been postponed to 2027.