An explosion occurred at the BASF plant in Ludwigshafen on Monday afternoon, resulting in a fire that led to minor injuries for 18 individuals, including employees and firefighters.
A spokesperson from the Rheinpfalz Police Headquarters reported a loud bang to the SWR, followed by multiple calls from concerned residents.
A substantial smoke plume was seen rising from the BASF site, visible from afar, including from Mannheim. Witnesses reported the blaze from the Kurt-Schumacher Bridge between Mannheim and Ludwigshafen. The BASF fire brigade managed to extinguish the fire by 1 pm. Environmental monitoring vehicles were deployed both within and outside the facility to assess air quality.
The explosion occurred around noon in the plant’s southern section, igniting the fire. BASF is currently investigating the cause of the explosion.
According to the company, 18 people were slightly injured, including seven firefighters. Initially, BASF had reported 14 affected employees. The injured were taken to the plant’s medical facility as a precaution, and some were discharged by the afternoon. None required hospitalisation.
A BASF employee recounted the experience to SWR, stating that the windows in a nearby building shook first, prompting them and colleagues to move to a secure area. The employees were reportedly shocked by the incident.
BASF reported slightly elevated hydrocarbon levels within the plant and in the adjoining areas of Friesenheim. However, BASF and the city of Ludwigshafen assured that there was no danger to the public. An earlier safety warning issued by the city and the fire department was subsequently lifted, confirming no public threat.
Following the fire, combustion gases were released, causing potential odour nuisances and visibility issues in the Friesenheim, Oppau, and Edigheim districts. Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Photo source: https://censor.net/
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