Citation

Riddez L, Joussineau S, Magnusson E. Prehosp. Disaster Med. 2007; 22(1): 84-85.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17484369

Abstract

On 21 September 2001, an earthquake triggered an explosion at an artificial fertilizer factory in Toulouse, France. As a result, 30 people were killed and 3,500 people were injured. Extensive damage hindered rescue services in their efforts to reach the factory; however, within several hours an assembly point with 60 doctors was established several kilometers from the explosion site. One hospital close to the scene needed to be temporarily evacuated. The disaster challenged rescue teams on many levels; for example, there was a question of toxicity, as well as communication difficulties due to the damaged telephone lines and clogged mobile networks.

Language: en