World's largest chemical plant explodes in Germany

According to the Independent newspaper, video footage taken at the scene of the explosion in Ludwigshafen showed a column of fire tens of meters high rising from the headquarters of the BASF company.

Firefighters are extinguishing a fire at the BASF chemical plant in Ludwigshafen city - photo: Reuters

At noon on October 17 (local time), a large explosion occurred at the BASF chemical plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. At least 6 people are missing, some others are seriously injured.

The chemical company said construction on a pipeline may have caused the explosion at 11:30 a.m. on October 17. The exact cause is still being determined.

Residents in Ludwigshafen and the neighbouring city of Mannheim were told to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed as black smoke from the explosion spread with the wind.

Children were also kept in nurseries and schools. There have been several cases of local residents reporting difficulty breathing.

BASF representatives confirmed that the explosion does not pose any risk to the public. 14 BASF factories in the area have stopped operations as a precaution.

BASF is the world's largest chemical company, with its Ludwigshafen plant employing around 33,000 people. BASF produces a wide range of industrial products such as adhesives, plastics and fertilizers.

According to TTO