A powerful explosion thundered at the Bayer chemical plant in the German city of Leverkusen

A powerful explosion occurred on the territory of the Bayer chemical plant in the German city of Leverkusen. Local residents reported on social media that the blast shook houses a few kilometers from the plant.

A column of smoke rises above the factory floor. Presumably, a waste disposal facility was damaged. Smoke moves towards Lützenkirchen, Opladen and Reindorf.

The authorities are asking the townspeople to avoid the dangerous area and stay tuned for updates. The Federal Office for Civil Defense and Disaster Relief (BBK) warns to close the windows tightly and not leave the house due to the risk of hazardous gas leaks.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been clarified. At the moment, there are also no reports of possible victims. A large number of firefighters are on duty at the site.