One killed in explosion at BASF plant
According to a social media post from the German chemical and ingredients giant, the explosion happened at 11:30 am today (17th October) during work on a pipeline, which caused fires to break out.
One person was killed and several injured in the incident, six seriously. Some people are still missing.
In a Facebook post in German, manager of the plant Uwe Liebelt said the company “deeply regretted” the loss of one employee and the injury of others and sent sympathies to those affected and their families.
The relevant authorities are investigating the exact cause of the explosion at the North Harbor site and as a safety precaution 14 other plants at the Ludwigshafen site have been shut down.
The fire is still burning but now under control, according to a local police statement.
Local residents have been asked to stay indoors and close doors and windows.
