On 27 July, a severe explosion occurred at Chempark Leverkusen – an industrial park for the chemical industry in Germany, run by the company Currenta.

The explosion took place at the waste management centre of the site and caused the death of two people and severely injured 31 workers. Five persons are still missing and the hope of finding them alive is now slim according to Currenta.

Special warnings have been issued to the local population to protect themselves from the cloud of smoke that was released into the surrounding residential areas.

The cause of the accident is still unknown and subject to an investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of the workers, the fate of the missing persons and the injuries that many others have sustained," said Luc Triangle, industriAll Europe’s General Secretary.

“The health and safety of workers is always our first priority. Together with our affiliates, industriAll Europe is sending its heartfelt sympathy to all the workers and their families that have been affected by this terrible and tragic accident.”