Zoom Image
Ambulance of the fire brigade (symbolic image)
Photo: Julian Stratenschulte / dpa
A major fire broke out in a recycling company in Offenbach on Sunday evening. In the company's buildings, in which, among other things, batteries are recycled, several smaller explosions were heard, said a spokesman for the southern Hessian city. Initially, nothing was known about injured people. According to reports, a warehouse and parts of the outdoor area were on fire.
A column of smoke could be seen for miles, even in neighboring Frankfurt am Main. The Offenbach fire brigade was deployed with a large contingent in the east of the city, it said. It is supported by fire engines from the surrounding area. The city spokesman spoke of a total of 250 emergency personnel, including the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW).
Diversions in rail traffic
"We also have two water cannons that came directly from the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Darmstadt 98. They have a lot of stuff again," said the spokesman.
In the case of the railway, there were diversions in long-distance and local traffic for about an hour because of the major fire. In the meantime, however, everything is going according to plan again, said a railway spokesman shortly after 22 p.m.
Pollutant measurements have been negative so far
According to the city, about 20 people from nearby houses had left as a precaution. All pollutant measurements have been negative so far, but it will continue to be measured, it said. According to the information, there had already been a fire in the company.
The police said that residents in Offenbach were asked to keep windows and doors closed. Because of the location of the company, no major road closures were necessary, said a spokeswoman. As soon as it is possible, the fire investigation group of the criminal investigation department will start its work.
ktz/dpa