A petrochemical plant at the Schwechat refinery, operated by Austrian oil and gas company OMV, experienced a technical failure on Tuesday morning, prompting immediate safety procedures and raising alarm among nearby residents. The facility, located near Vienna International Airport, switched to high-flare operations following the breakdown—an event that led to emergency calls and confusion over a possible fire at the site.

As per several media reports, OMV confirmed that the incident occurred on April 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT). The petrochemical unit, part of OMV’s flagship refinery complex, suffered an operational fault that necessitated the activation of high-flaring, a process that involves controlled burning of excess hydrocarbons to relieve pressure and maintain safety.

“High-flare operation was immediately started in accordance with all necessary safety precautions,” OMV stated. “We are currently working intensively to resume operations at the plant.” The company added that while the flaring might appear dramatic to the public, it is considered “a routine process” in such situations.

The Schwechat refinery is OMV’s largest and most significant refining operation, with a crude oil processing capacity of 9.6 million metric tonnes per year (MMtpy). It is also considered one of the largest and most advanced refineries in Europe. The site is closely integrated with Borealis, a petrochemicals company partially owned by OMV, which operates its own production facilities directly adjacent to the refinery. Borealis is currently undergoing a merger process, further tightening its ties with OMV's operations.

The flaring incident triggered concern among local observers. According to reports, unusually large flames were visible above the refinery’s flare stack, prompting at least one passerby to notify the media. This visual anomaly led to an alert being raised with the Lower Austria fire brigade, which oversees emergency services for the region surrounding Vienna.

According to several media reports, a spokesperson for the fire brigade later clarified that while an alert was received, it turned out to be a false alarm. “The call was likely prompted by the heightened flare activity,” the spokesman noted. “There was no actual fire or danger at the site.”

Despite the initial confusion, OMV emphasized that all operations were conducted safely and that high-flare activity is a standard industrial response during plant malfunctions. No injuries or environmental hazards have been reported in connection with the incident.

Efforts to identify the cause of the breakdown and resume normal operations are ongoing. While OMV did not specify how long repairs will take, the company has assured stakeholders and the public that it is prioritizing both safety and the swift restoration of the plant’s activities.