chemical spill
Large-scale operation: Escape of dangerous goods on the Mannheim factory premises
A dangerous liquid leaked on a Mannheim factory site on Tuesday afternoon. Police said it could develop toxic and irritating fumes. photo
© PR video/dpa
The large-scale operation for the fire brigade in Mannheim continues: LPG has leaked from a sea container at the commercial port. Firefighters are also on duty overnight and try to contain the danger.
Almost 24 hours after a chemical accident in Mannheim harbor with more than a dozen injured, the large-scale operation was still in full swing on Wednesday afternoon. Well over 100 emergency services were still on site.
They cooled a container from the chemical company BASF to prevent the further escape of toxic fumes, as a spokeswoman for the fire brigade explained. The situation is stable. The experts are currently agreeing on how the operation will be continued and what measures are to be taken. The BASF fire brigade was at least involved in an advisory capacity in securing the container with almost 200 barrels, the police said.
Cause still unclear
The exact cause of the leak has not yet been clarified, said the spokeswoman for the fire brigade. So far there have been no injuries to the fire service. The police, on the other hand, had reported 16 officers who complained of a dry cough and red eyes. Two of them required hospital treatment. The water protection police and the technical relief organization were also involved in the operation.
Barrels filled with hydrosulfite were stored in the container. This is an aid for the textile industry that is used, for example, for bleaching. According to the authorities, the spilled product may have self-decomposed, releasing sulfur dioxide and other sulfur salts. At times, this caused a cloud about 150 meters high.
In the morning, almost all road closures were lifted, with exceptions in the immediate vicinity of the site.