The Bombing of the Pančevo Petrochemical Plant - an Ecological Catastrophe

On 15 April 1999, NATO bombed the petrochemical complex in Pančevo, one of the largest industrial facilities in Serbia, which led to one of the worst ecological catastrophes in Europe.

Targeting the Chemical Industry

Facilities containing the following were struck:

• Vinyl chloride (VCM) - a highly toxic gas
• Ethylene dichloride (EDC) - a carcinogen
• Crude oil and petroleum derivatives
• Ammonia
• Other hazardous chemicals

Ecological Catastrophe

The explosions released enormous quantities of toxic gases:

• A cloud of toxic smoke hung over Pančevo and Belgrade for days
• Hydrogen chloride, dioxins and other carcinogens were released into the air
• Pollution of the Danube and groundwater
• Contamination of the soil within a radius of 20 km

Health Consequences

Immediate consequences:

• Mass allergic reactions among the population
• Respiratory problems
• Irritation of the skin and eyes
• Poisoning by heavy metals

• A 30% rise in malignant diseases over the following 10 years
• An increased number of children born with deformities
• Chronic respiratory diseases

Violation of the Geneva Conventions

The bombing of chemical plants is prohibited by Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (1977), Article 56 - "Protection of works and installations containing dangerous forces".

Economic Damage

The entire industrial complex was destroyed. The damage was estimated at over 500 million dollars. Pančevo lost its main source of income and employment.

Remediation That Lasts for Years

The cleanup and remediation of the contaminated soil and water continue today, 25 years later. The costs of remediation exceed 100 million euros.