BASF Ludwigshafen Plant Explosion Leaves Three Dead

*Update on Oct. 19, 2016

An explosion and fire in the BASF Ludwigshafen, Germany site was extinguished on Oct. 17, 2016. The fire resulted during work on a pipeline containing ethylene and propylene product. The company reported that the fire left two BASF firefighters, and an unidentified person dead. In a statement, BASF said eight people were seriously injured, 17 suffered from minor injuries, and one person is still missing.

The BASF fire department and the Ludwigshafen fire department are both on scene performing cooling and safety measures. The company reported that as of Oct. 18, the raw material supply was still interrupted and steamcrackers remained shut down. Approximately 20 other plants were shut down or partially running. BASF has set up an information center for the public at gate 11. The company said it will closely support the relevant authorities in investigating the cause of the accident.

“We are deeply saddened that two employees have died. As fire fighters, they were devoted to saving lives. Our deepest sympathy lies with the affected people and their families,” Margret Suckale, member of the Board and Industrial Relations Director at BASF SE, said in a statement. The company has been posting updates on both their Facebook page, Twitter, and website.

Source: BASF