MOSCOW (MRC) -- A nitrogen tank exploded at Huntsman’s white pigment factory in Uerdingen, Germany, at approximately 2 p.m. CET Wednesday, said the producer on its site.
Huntsman safely and deliberately shut down the affected operations. The incident is currently under investigation.
Fifteen people received medical assistance either on site or in hospital. Two people remain hospitalized for observation. There were no fatalities.
"Huntsman’s primary concern is the health and well-being of our associates and the neighboring community," said Simon Turner, President of Huntsman Pigments and Additives. "We are in contact with the families of those injured and doing everything we can to support them at this difficult time."
Emergency responders have cordoned off a 150-meter area surrounding the site, and access to the plant is restricted at this time. Despite damage to the building, it did not collapse as previously indicated in media reports.
The Uerdingen site, located 30 kilometers north of Duesseldorf, employs approximately 600 Huntsman associates and contractors. The site produces TiO2, copperas, iron oxide, and products used in the manufacturing of plastics, coatings, paper, laminate, catalysts and ceramics.
Huntsman acquired the Uerdingen site on Oct. 1, 2014, as part of its acquisition of the Performance Additives and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) businesses of Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals with 2014 revenues of about USD13 billion, including the acquisition of Rockwood’s performance additives and titanium dioxide businesses. Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals. The company's operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging.
MRC