Izvorni znanstveni članak
Forensic Investigation of the Causes of Fires and Explosions in Buildings and Facilities: A Case Study
Nenad Papić
; Centar za forenzična ispitivanja, istraživanja i vještačenja „Ivan Vučetić”, Zagreb, Croatia
Sažetak
Fires and explosions in industrial facilities can result in severe consequences, including property damage, financial losses, and risks to human life. In such cases, the main objective of the investigation is to determine if the fire/explosion resulted from technical malfunctions or irregularities or if it was intentionally set. So, to investigate the case aftermath, it is necessary to employ a systematic approach and include experts from diverse fields like fire and explosion investigation and mechanical and electrical engineering.
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a true-life fire and explosion incident that occurred at a commercial company's storage center. As a result of the fire and explosion, there was a substantial material damage but no human casualties. The study describes the process of determining the incident's root cause based on scene examination, technical expertise, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
In the case presented, the investigation was conducted by police officers with the professional assistance of experts from the Forensic Science Centre Ivan Vučetić, while gas and electricity distributors and electrical installation maintenance workers provided additional support for specific tasks.
The fire and explosion occurred in a room containing the main distribution cabinets. Before the explosion, indications of fire were noticed, which included the smell of burning and smoke that emerged from the sewer shafts where underground power cables were placed. The initial inspection at the scene was conducted, and relevant information on the facility and event was collected, including documents, witness statements, and video recordings of the incident. Gas and electrical installations were tested and inspected, and elevated carbon monoxide levels were detected in the electrical cable channel. Visual examination of the scene revealed thermal and mechanical damages to the building and electrical cabinets, while traces of burning were also found on the underground cable shafts. The electrical cables connected to the main distribution cabinet were inspected and tested to find the location of the fault. Severe damage was found on the cables that showed traces of the melting and burning of the insulation. Based on the inspection of the scene and the tests carried out, it was concluded that the explosion was a consequence of a fault in an underground electrical cable. The fault caused the cable's insulation to ignite, which resulted in flammable gases that accumulated in the room and triggered the explosion, which was probably initiated by an electrical spark. The cause of the cable fault was possible mechanical damage during construction work along the cable route.
This case study demonstrated technical experts' methodology in determining the cause of fires and explosions in buildings and facilities. It could provide a useful reference for experts involved in fire and explosion investigations, emphasizing the need for an interdisciplinary approach and effective collaboration.
Ključne riječi
fires and explosions; facilities; electrical installations; electrical facilities; technical expertise; inspection; tests
Hrčak ID:
313987
URI
Datum izdavanja:
28.12.2023.
Posjeta: 139 *