- Investigators: cause of explosion at BASF premises unclear
Following an explosion and fire at the BASF plant in Ludwigshafen, which resulted in 18 minor injuries, the cause remains unknown. There is no indication of foul play, according to police. The incident caused approximately €2 million in damages. The crime scene unit and a fire investigator examined the scene.
The explosion occurred last Monday in the southern part of the world's largest chemical company's plant, following the release of an organic solvent. The fire was extinguished by the plant's fire department. 18 people were injured, including 7 firefighters during the extinguishing process.
Several areas of the building were shored up and closed off. The affected facility was shut down. After the incident, environmental monitoring vehicles were deployed within and outside the premises. The company reported slightly elevated levels of hydrocarbons within the area and adjacent parts. However, there was never any threat to the public.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion at The port of Ludwigshafen, where the BASF plant is located, is ongoing. Despite the damage, operations at other parts of the plant have resumed.
