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Germany explosion: Several missing and injured after huge blast at world's largest chemical producer | Germany explosion: Several missing and injured after huge blast at world's largest chemical producer |
(35 minutes later) | |
Several people are missing after a huge explosion at a chemical factory in Germany. | Several people are missing after a huge explosion at a chemical factory in Germany. |
Footage showed flames rising hundreds of feet into the air from BASF's headquarters in Ludwigshafen on Monday. | Footage showed flames rising hundreds of feet into the air from BASF's headquarters in Ludwigshafen on Monday. |
The company said that work on a pipeline was believed to be the cause of the blast at around 11.30am local time (10.30am BST). | |
"Work on a pipeline led to an explosion with secondary fires," a spokesperson for BASF said. | |
"Several people were injured. Several people are still missing." | |
The cause of the blast was under investigation as emergency services fought the flames, with German authorities informed. | |
Residents in the western cities of Ludwigshafen and neighbouring Mannheim were asked to remain inside and keep their doors and windows closed as black smoke spread from the blaze. | |
The complex is the headquarters of BASF, the largest chemical producer, which employs 33,000 people at its factory in Ludwigshafen alone. | |
The company produces a wide range of industrial products, including solvents, glues, petrochemicals, plastics and fertiliser. | The company produces a wide range of industrial products, including solvents, glues, petrochemicals, plastics and fertiliser. |
It has set up emergency phonelines for anyone concerned about the explosion, who were being asked to call 0800 5050 500. | |