10.17.16
At least one person has been killed and six are missing after an explosion and fire at BASF's headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
The explosion happened at about 11:20 am local time and reportedly occurred during work on a pipeline route used for transporting raw chemicals to shipping.
Here is a statement from BASF (posted at 4pm today in Ludwigshafen):
"According to the latest information we have, one person died as a result of today’s fire in the North Harbor at BASF in Ludwigshafen. Six people suffered serious injuries, several others received light injuries. The injured are being treated in local hospitals. Six other people are still missing.
“We are deeply saddened that one employee has died and several have been injured. Our deepest sympathy lies with the affected people and their families,” says Uwe Liebelt, BASF site manager Ludwigshafen.
Logistics employees and truck drivers were evacuated at Gate 15 and brought to a safe location in the Ebert Hall. Gate 15 is closed. Gate 3 is currently not manned and therefore closed to vehicular traffic. The turnstiles are available as well as all other gates. The normal shift change will happen as planned.
There is visible smoke. The surrounding towns are recommending to residents in the affected areas of Ludwigshafen and Mannheim, until further notice, to stay indoors and close doors and windows.
BASF and the City of Ludwigshafen held a press conference at 4:00 p.m. to inform about the current status.
More information will follow.”
Happi will update this new post as more information is available.
The explosion happened at about 11:20 am local time and reportedly occurred during work on a pipeline route used for transporting raw chemicals to shipping.
Here is a statement from BASF (posted at 4pm today in Ludwigshafen):
"According to the latest information we have, one person died as a result of today’s fire in the North Harbor at BASF in Ludwigshafen. Six people suffered serious injuries, several others received light injuries. The injured are being treated in local hospitals. Six other people are still missing.
“We are deeply saddened that one employee has died and several have been injured. Our deepest sympathy lies with the affected people and their families,” says Uwe Liebelt, BASF site manager Ludwigshafen.
Logistics employees and truck drivers were evacuated at Gate 15 and brought to a safe location in the Ebert Hall. Gate 15 is closed. Gate 3 is currently not manned and therefore closed to vehicular traffic. The turnstiles are available as well as all other gates. The normal shift change will happen as planned.
There is visible smoke. The surrounding towns are recommending to residents in the affected areas of Ludwigshafen and Mannheim, until further notice, to stay indoors and close doors and windows.
BASF and the City of Ludwigshafen held a press conference at 4:00 p.m. to inform about the current status.
More information will follow.”
Happi will update this new post as more information is available.
