Ministry of Defence remembers tragic explosion at Military Repair Company Nováky

State Secretary of the SVK Ministry of Defence Róbert Ondrejcsák visited Nováky today (1 March 2019) to attend a ceremony in memory of 8 employees who perished in an explosion at Military Repair Company Nováky (VOP Nováky) 12 years ago.

 
In his speech, State Secretary of the SVK Ministry of Defence Róbert Ondrejcsák said: “Sadly, all of us have experienced unpleasant realities and loss of close ones. The explosion which seriously damaged the operation of VOP Nováky 12 years ago hit many families hard. Let me join you in paying our profound respects to and keeping the memory of all victims alive.”
 
The tragedy occurred at VOP Nováky on 2 March 2007, when a huge blast ripped through the munitions decommissioning facility, killing 8 company employees and injuring dozens. Immediately after the tragic incident the then MOD leadership introduced substantial measures to minimise work-related hazards and prevent any malpractice. In 2012, VOP Nováky was leased to a strategic partner for 20 years.