Vietnam: 2,000-Ton Molasses Tank Ruptures Amid Storm; Cause Under Investigation

A significant incident occurred at the Song Lam Sugar Joint Stock Company's factory in Nghe An, Vietnam, where a 2,000-ton molasses storage tank burst during a powerful thunderstorm. The rupture, which happened on May 3rd, released an estimated 500 tons of molasses within the factory premises. The company's management, led by Chairman and General Director Dang Manh Hung, immediately activated its environmental emergency response plan.

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Around 5:15 PM on May 3, under severe thunderstorm conditions with lightning, a tank rupture occurred in the molasses storage area of the factory, causing molasses to spill within the factory premises.

Initial reports from workers suggested that a lightning strike might have caused the damage to the tank, which was located in an area without camera surveillance. However, the factory is equipped with a lightning rod system and undergoes annual safety inspections. Due to the severe weather conditions at the time of the incident, it remains unclear whether lightning was the definitive cause. The company has stated that a thorough investigation by specialized agencies is required to determine the exact cause of the tank's failure.

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At the initial stage, based on workers' accounts, we suspected the incident was caused by a lightning strike damaging the molasses storage tank. However, this area is not equipped with surveillance cameras.

In response to the spill, the company mobilized its workforce to build containment barriers, pump the molasses back into storage, and use absorbent materials like bagasse to manage the overflow. The spilled molasses was directed to a power generation furnace and a fertilizer production unit. The affected area was subsequently cleaned and treated with lime and microbial agents to control odor and potential pollution. While the company asserts its commitment to environmental regulations, the incident has raised concerns downstream, with reports of fish deaths in the Lam River following the spill, prompting further scrutiny into the environmental impact.

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Because the incident occurred during a severe thunderstorm with lightning, there is no basis to confirm whether it was caused by a lightning strike. The cause of the tank rupture requires inspection and assessment by specialized agencies.