Albert Baehny, Chairman and CEO ad interim, Lonza Group, said: 'Following the fatal accident at our Visp plant on 19 January 2020, we have undertaken a full investigation to identify the cause of the accident and take all necessary measures to ensure the continuing safety of our colleagues.

The investigation identified the cause of the accident as a combination of technical issues and human actions. A localized hydrogen cyanide gas leak occurred at 00:50 on 19 January 2020 in a production plant. This was the cause of the fatal injuries sustained by our long-standing and highly valued colleague, Edi Imhof

Based on these findings, the investigation team and operational management carried out a detailed safety assessment of the site and concluded that work at the production plant could recommence safely on 28 January 2020.

Safety remains our priority at Lonza. There are lessons to be learnt from the findings of this investigation and we will be taking every precaution to ensure that we safeguard against any further accidents.'

Contact:

Sanna Fowler

Tel: +41 61 316 8929

Email: media@lonza.com

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