Blast at Leverkusen industrial facility injures 16, with air quality declared safe for residents after initial fears.
A deadly explosion at the Chempark industrial park in Leverkusen, Germany, has claimed the life of at least one person, injured 16, and left four missing. The blast occurred at the waste management facility, sending a massive black cloud into the sky. Firefighters took nearly four hours to control the blaze that followed.
While initial warnings prompted local residents to shelter indoors, fire officials later assured that air tests showed no hazardous levels of pollution. The local fire department confirmed that although the smoke has dispersed, they will continue to monitor the air quality for any lingering toxins.
Authorities initially declared the event a major threat, but subsequent tests indicated that the pollution risk had been ruled out, bringing some reassurance to nearby communities.