Three days ago, a container with dangerous contents ignited in the Mannheim port. Since then, the fire department has been cooling them down. Opening is out of the question before next week.
Mannheim – After the chemical accident in the Mannheim port, the barrels are expected to be opened in the middle of next week. The situation is currently stable, said a spokesman for the fire department on Friday. The barrels would continue to be cooled and the temperature, among other things, would be measured every few hours.
Only when the chemical reaction has stopped and the temperature remains permanently low enough can you think about opening it. This will definitely not be the case before the beginning of next week. The spokesman expected it more on Tuesday or Wednesday.
17 people were injured when toxic gases escaped from the container destined for Turkey on Tuesday. According to the chemical company BASF, from which the container comes, the substance in the almost 200 barrels is a bleaching agent for the textile industry. The solid substance hydrosulfite, which is harmless if handled carefully, is shipped by the ton. Because of the risk of self-ignition with the escape of sulfur dioxide and sulfur, however, it is classified as dangerous goods. This reaction probably took place in Mannheim.
The gas had formed a cloud 150 meters high. According to BASF, sulfur dioxide is harmless in low concentrations. There was no danger for the Mannheim population. However, an alternative overnight accommodation was offered for 35 residents. dpa
