Human error caused Mongstad fire, inquiry finds

Sept. 13, 2004
A Statoil ASA internal inquiry blamed inadequate planning and insufficient communication during preparations for a valve change as the cause of a fire at the Mongstad refinery near Bergen July 12 that injured two workers and closed the refinery for 2 weeks (OGJ Online July 23, 2004). The cost of lost production and damage was roughly 100 million kroner.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Sept.13 -- A Statoil ASA internal inquiry blamed inadequate planning and insufficient communication during preparations for a valve change as the cause of a fire at the Mongstad refinery near Bergen July 12 that injured two workers and closed the refinery for 2 weeks (OGJ Online July 23, 2004). The cost of lost production and damage was roughly 100 million kroner.

Statoil said the wrong valve was closed, maintaining pressure in the system and allowing hot oil to flow into a steam hose. The hose cracked, enabling the oil to come into contact with the air where it ignited. Investigators found no evidence of technical failure in the incident.