Ludwigshafen, Germany — At least two workers have been killed and two are still missing after an explosion and fire at BASF’s Ludwigshafen chemicals site, the company has confirmed.
In a statement issues early 18 Oct, BASF said “two employees died as a result of the fire in the northern part of the site. Six people were seriously injured, several others received light injuries. Two other people are still missing.”
“We are deeply saddened that employees have died and several have been injured. Our deepest sympathy lies with the affected people and their families,” said Uwe Liebelt, BASF site manager Ludwigshafen.
The explosion happened during work on ethylene and propylene pipeline, which resulted in fires.
On 17 Oct, residents in parts of Ludwigshafen and Mannheim had been asked to stay indoors and close doors and windows, due to the smoke billowing from the chemicals site.
The fire in the north harbour at BASF in Ludwigshafen had been extinguished as of 9.30 pm, 17 Oct. Measurements outside the plant showed no increased levels of toxic substances in the air or ground, the company added.
The steam crackers at the site remain shut down andaround 20 other plants are either shutdown or only partially running.
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