Esso Australia found culpable on 11 counts relating to Longford gas explosion

Esso Australia Pty Ltd, a unit of Exxon Mobil Corporation has been found culpable on 11 counts arising from a 1998 explosion that left two workers dead at its Longford natural gas plant, Agence France-Presse reported.

The company now faces possible fines of 2.7 million aud.

A Victoria Supreme Court jury deliberated for two days before returning its verdict. The charges included failing to prevent the rupture of a gas pipeline, not providing a safe work environment, and failing to provide correct training for workers and supervisors.

Esso was charged as a company and pleaded not guilty to the allegations. No individual company directors or officials were prosecuted, AFP said.

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