A powerful explosion thundered at a waste incineration plant in Germany

As follows from the footage captured by eyewitnesses, a thick column of black smoke rises into the sky from the scene of the accident. Residents of the western part of the city, where the plant is located, were urged not to go outside and to tightly lock all windows and doors in apartments, the local newspaper Bild writes. The roads are closed. The authorities reported an extreme level of danger to residents. A siren went off in the city.

According to the newspaper, the refinery is on fire at the oil depot. There is a risk of fire spreading to the building behind where flammable solvents are stored.

The danger for residents is that hazardous waste and toxic substances are stored and disposed of in the plant. In addition, about 100 thousand liters of flammable liquid are also stored under the transfer station where the explosion took place.

The poisonous black cloud is now heading towards Burscheid and Wermelskirchen. In these cities, residents were also encouraged to lock doors and windows. A siren went off in Solingen.