Explosion at BASF Plant Leaves 14 Injured

An explosion and fire Monday at the main plant of German chemical giant BASF left 14 workers injured, the company said.

The explosion happened around midday in the southern part of the massive Ludwigshafen plant and set off a fire that has since been extinguished.

"Fourteen employees were slightly injured in the incident," BASF said in a statement. They were receiving precautionary care on site, it added.

Images earlier in the day showed a cloud of smoke emanating from the Ludwigshafen plant, which is the largest chemicals complex in the world covering 10 square kilometers.

Residents were initially told to keep doors and windows shut, but authorities in the western city later gave the all-clear.

Environmental monitoring vehicles have detected "slightly elevated levels of hydrocarbons" in the immediate area, BASF said, adding that there was no reason for alarm.

The company did not provide details on whether there was any impact on production. A spokesperson also stated that the cause of the explosion is under investigation.