BASF SE said Monday an explosion and resulting fires at its
Ludwigshafen plant injured several people, while some workers remain
missing, prompting the chemical company to power down its steamcracker
and other facilities there.
The cause of the blast, which took place during work on a pipeline around 0930 GMT, is unknown, BASF said in a news release.
"There
is visible smoke. Residents in the affected areas of Ludwigshafen and
Mannheim have been asked to stay indoors and to keep doors and windows
shut," BASF said.
Authorities have been informed, and further information will follow, BASF added.
(www.marketwatch.com)