Fire at BASF Chemicals Plant in Germany Successfully Extinguished

On July 29, 2024, a significant incident took place at the southern part of BASF SE’s facility in Ludwigshafen. A leak of an organic solvent resulted in an explosion, which was subsequently followed by a fire. This incident raised immediate concerns about potential environmental contamination, but fortunately, there was no impact on the air, water, or soil quality.

BASF's robust environmental monitoring system played a crucial role in managing the aftermath. Their monitoring vehicles, deployed both inside and outside the site, did not detect any residues of the leaked product. This swift and thorough assessment ensured that the surrounding environment remained uncontaminated and safe.

The fire, which posed a considerable risk, was efficiently tackled by BASF's dedicated fire department. By approximately 12:45 PM CEST, the fire was completely extinguished. The prompt and effective response by the fire department was instrumental in preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of the site and its personnel.

As a precautionary measure, the affected plant was immediately shut down. This decisive action helped to stabilize the situation and bring the plant to a safe condition. The shutdown process was executed smoothly, reflecting the high level of preparedness and operational excellence at BASF.

During the incident, 15 employees sustained minor injuries. These individuals were quickly attended to at the BASF Medical Center. The medical team provided the necessary examinations and treatments, allowing all injured employees to leave the Medical Center shortly after receiving care. The swift medical response minimized the impact of the injuries and ensured that all affected personnel were promptly looked after.

The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire is currently under thorough investigation. BASF is committed to understanding the root cause of the incident to prevent any future occurrences. The investigation is being conducted with the utmost rigor, involving detailed analyses and assessments.

In addition to the internal investigation, relevant authorities have been informed about the incident. BASF is cooperating fully with these authorities to provide all necessary information and support. This collaborative approach is essential to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the incident and to develop appropriate measures to enhance safety protocols.

Covering approximately ten square kilometers, the Ludwigshafen Verbund site is the world's largest integrated chemical complex. Serving as BASF's headquarters, it is the birthplace of the Verbund concept, which intelligently networks production facilities, energy flows, and logistics to maximize resource efficiency. As the largest employer in the region, BASF is dedicated to environmental stewardship through various initiatives.