Antwerp Port Hit by Heavy Explosion

A heavy blast rocked the port of Antwerp on Friday when a solid waste storage bunker exploded at an industrial waste treatment plant, Antwerp’s fire department said.

The blast originated in a tank containing solvents, while an adjacent warehouse, containing small quantities of stored chemicals, caught fire and burned down completely, the facility owner Indaver said.

There were no injuries reported, however due to the heavy smoke billowing from the port, local residents were asked to remain indoors and close their windows to avoid inhaling potential contaminants emitted from the blast.

Firefighters were rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire by early evening, the Port of Antwerp told World Maritime News. Based on the latest update, an investigation into the level of toxicity from the blast showed that the concentration was not dangerous for human health.

Indaver said on Monday that the activities at the facility have partially been resumed today with workers launching an investigation into the accident.

World Maritime News Staff