Cause of explosion at former petrol station still unclear
The cause of the explosion on a former petrol station site in southern Hesse is still unclear. The explosion was caused by a tank in Oberzent-Beerfelden in the Odenwald district during construction work on Wednesday, police said on Thursday. The tank was filled with concrete on Wednesday afternoon to rule out any further danger. In addition to the occupational health and safety department at the Darmstadt Regional Council, the lower water authority of the Odenwald district is also involved in the case.
A 51-year-old man who was carrying out construction work on an access pipe to a tank in the immediate vicinity was not injured. "He had a guardian angel", said the spokesperson for the police headquarters on Thursday. A 74-year-old passer-by was slightly injured in the shoulder by an object that was thrown around. He was also "lucky in misfortune", the spokesman emphasized. Other injured parties should come forward. According to the police, the explosion caused chunks of rock to be thrown away and several facades, windows, roofs and vehicles to be damaged. It is not yet possible to provide any information on the extent of the damage.
The local authorities, including the occupational health and safety department in South Hessia's Darmstadt Regional Council, are continuing their investigation into the unexplained emergency at the former petrol station in Oberzent-Beerfelden, South Hessia. Due to the explosion's impact, several buildings and vehicles in the vicinity required emergency repairs.
Source: www.dpa.com
