Heavy and black smoke has done the Rijeka refinery:

A thick black plume of smoke rose from the Rijeka refinery in Croatia during the afternoon hours, prompting concern among local residents. The incident occurred amid a thunderstorm that swept through the area, according to reports. The Rijeka refinery, operated by INA, issued a statement explaining the cause of the smoke and reassuring the public that safety protocols were being followed. The disturbance began around 4 p.m., when a sudden power outage affected the external electrical grid connected to the refinery. This disruption impacted the operation of production units and placed additional strain on the refinery’s emergency flare system. As a result, an increased flame and accompanying smoke were observed. According to INA, the flare is part of the refinery's standard safety system designed to manage process gases during unexpected situations. INA confirmed that electricity supply has since been restored, and efforts are underway to stabilize the process systems and gradually restart the production units in accordance with established safety procedures. The company warned that over the coming weeks, as the systems are stabilized and production resumes, occasional instances of heightened flame activity at the flare could occur. Despite this, INA emphasized that the safety of employees, the facility, and the surrounding environment remains their highest priority throughout the entire process. Residents in the vicinity of the refinery reported seeing dark clouds of smoke rising into the sky during the storm. Local media noted that the timing of the incident coincided with severe weather conditions, which may have contributed to the power interruption. While the immediate cause was attributed to the thunderstorm-induced power failure, the situation raised questions about the resilience of industrial infrastructure against such weather-related disruptions. The refinery’s response included detailed explanations of its emergency measures and ongoing operations. It highlighted that the flare system is a critical component of the refinery’s safety framework, ensuring that potentially hazardous gases are safely managed during unforeseen circumstances. The restoration of power marked a key step toward resuming normal operations, though the stabilization period will require careful monitoring and adherence to strict procedural guidelines. Authorities and local officials have not yet commented publicly on the incident, but the refinery’s transparency in communicating the situation suggests a focus on maintaining public trust. Residents near the refinery expressed relief upon learning the cause of the smoke, although some remain cautious about potential future incidents, particularly given the frequency of extreme weather events in recent years. As the refinery works to fully restore its operations, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between industrial processes and environmental factors. The ability of facilities like the Rijeka refinery to respond swiftly to unexpected challenges is crucial in minimizing risks to both personnel and the community. With the power supply now back online, attention shifts to the gradual resumption of production activities while ensuring all safety standards are strictly upheld.