chemical spill
Leaking dangerous goods on the Mannheim factory premises: large-scale operation
After a chemical accident in Mühlauhafen, the fire brigade cools a container filled with around 200 barrels of hydrosulfite. photo
© Dieter Leder/dpa
Large-scale operation for the fire brigade in Mannheim: LPG leaked out of a sea container at the commercial port. Firefighters are also on duty overnight and try to contain the danger. With success it seems.
After a chemical accident in which 16 people were injured on a Mannheim factory site, specialists want to open and salvage a defective sea container as early as Wednesday, if possible. LPG leaked from the container on Tuesday. A chemical reaction occurred, producing toxic irritants and fumes. “The mission continues, but the situation is currently stable,” said a spokesman in the morning.
The container was cooled with water overnight. This should reduce escaping fumes. At times, the gases caused a cloud 150 meters high.
Around 16 police officers were injured in the incident in Mannheim’s Mühlauhafen. They complain of a dry cough and red eyes. Two police officers were initially treated in the hospital.
“Sulphur dioxide and other sulfur salts released”
Almost 200 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 current state of knowledge, the product properties could have caused the product to self-decompose, releasing sulfur dioxide and other sulfur salts,” said a city spokeswoman. However, the exact cause has yet to be determined.
The fire brigade also carried out air measurements at several points in the city on Wednesday night. “So far, the measurements have not revealed any increased values,” the city said. Road closures have been lifted, but Werfhallenstrasse and Güterhallenstrasse in the immediate vicinity of the site were still closed early in the morning.
A citizen hotline has been set up on 0621 2936370 for those affected. The emergency call should be kept free.