The Iranian news agency "IRNA" reported that a powerful explosion shook a factory in the city of Abadan in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran. The agency stated that a loud explosion was heard on Thursday evening in Abadan, resulting from the explosion of a sulfur production furnace in the oil refinery after a unit in the third phase of the refinery was activated.
The agency continued, citing sources, that the sulfur production furnace from the third phase, which was scheduled to begin operations on Thursday evening following repair work, exploded during a trial inspection. It noted that the explosion did not result in any human or material losses, and production at the refinery is continuing normally. The Abadan refinery is one of the oldest refining complexes in Iran and produces 25% of the country's fuel needs; it has been operational since 1912.
