An explosion has occurred at Germany's largest chemical plant BASF. According to Bild, 14 people were injured, UNN reports.
Details
At about 12 p.m., "an explosion followed by a fire occurred at a plant in the southern part of BASF SE's Ludwigshafen facility," the company said in a brief press release.
A huge cloud of smoke has formed over Mannheim (Baden-Württemberg) and Ludwigshafen (Rhineland-Palatinate). A fire brigade has been deployed at the BASF plant. According to the company, environmental monitoring machines are operating on the plant's premises and outside.
The explosion was also reported to the police, police told SWR. Several calls were received from concerned residents.
A strong explosion occurred in the German city of Memmingen26.07.24, 22:56
BASF initially stated that the cause of the explosion was "under investigation.
At 14:00, the company provided additional information: "The fire has been extinguished by the BASF fire brigade." The incident left 14 employees with minor injuries and they are being monitored by doctors as a precaution, the statement said.
City authorities and the fire department issued a hazard warning due to the release of combustion products.
Firefighters are asking people to avoid the affected areas, keep windows and doors closed and turn off ventilation and air conditioning systems.
According to the Handelsblatt newspaper, the company's shares fell amid the incident.