Latest on BASF chemical site explosion

Two employees of the BASF fire department died as a result of a fire in the North Harbor at the BASF site in Ludwigshafen, Germany, on Monday, October 17. Eight people were seriously injured, 17 others received light injuries. The injured were treated directly at the site or in local hospitals. One person is still missing. Six other people were treated at the BASF emergency room during the night and were able to return to their workplace thereafter.

"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,” said Margret Suckale, Member of the Board and Industrial Relations Director at BASF SE.

During work on a pipeline there was an explosion, which resulted in fires. The pipelines that burned included ones with ethylene and propylene product.

Ethylene is used for the production of insulating materials and solvents, among others. Propylene is used for the production of automotive paints, dispersions and adhesives, among others.

As the raw material supply is still interrupted, the steam crackers remain shut down. Around 20 other plants are either shutdown or only partially running.

The North Harbor, where the explosion took place, is a terminal for combustible fluids, such as naphtha, methanol and compressed liquefied gases. More than 2.6Mt of goods are handled there each year and an average seven ships a day moor at its docks, according to BASF’s website. It is one of three ports BASF operates at the Ludwigshafen site.