Explosion injures three at Nova Željezara Zenica as plant faces bankruptcy threat

On Thursday at about 16:25, a gas and liquid‑oxygen transfer incident at the Energetika unit of Nova Željezara Zenica caused an explosion and fire. Three workers were hurt: M. M. from Prijedor and N. A. from Zenica sustained minor injuries, while M. K. of Begovo Han suffered severe burns and was taken to the University Clinical Centre in Sarajevo. Police spokeswoman Lejla Ekinović confirmed the site was secured and a forensic team was assembled, though the investigation was postponed for safety reasons. Company spokeswoman Alena Kahrimanović said the blast occurred while transferring liquid oxygen from a Messer tanker, a routine operation.

In parallel, the steel mill is confronting a possible insolvency proceeding. Union leaders warn that a court decision could either push the plant into bankruptcy or place it under forced administration, jeopardising roughly 1,600 jobs. President of the local metalworkers’ union Kenan Mujkanović highlighted the plant’s contribution to the national economy and the severe social impact of a closure.

The combined safety incident and looming financial crisis underscore the precarious situation of one of Bosnia‑Herzegovina’s key industrial employers.