Authorities have confirmed four injuries after a fire and explosion occurred at the Bayernoil refinery located in Neustadt an der Donau, Bavaria. The incident, which took place shortly after midnight, prompted immediate action from local emergency services as residents were issued warnings to remain indoors due to dangerous smoke. According to the police, the explosion was reported around midnight, leading to widespread activation of fire departments and technical rescue teams across the region.
The Bayernoil company stated the explosion originated from one of its process facilities, which resulted in the fire. Preliminary investigations revealed four individuals sustained injuries, one of whom suffered moderate harm. All injured parties have been provided with medical attention. Emergency responders have taken swift action as the fire was controlled by early this morning, leading to the lifting of local safety warnings.
Residents within Neustadt and surrounding areas such as Mühlhausen, Geibenstetten, Mauern, Schwaig, and Münchsmünster received alerts early on Friday morning, advising them to keep windows and doors shut and to turn off ventilation systems due to the rising smoke. The Kelheim district authority set up a public hotline, available at 09445/971781, to disseminate information and provide updates on the situation.
The on-scene firefighters reported overwhelming flames reaching upwards as thick smoke hung over the facility, resulting from the initial blast. The Bayernoil refinery, which has been operational since 1964, serves as one of the largest processing centers for mineral oil across Bavaria, handling approximately 10.3 million tons of oil annually through its locations at Neustadt and Vohburg. This facility not only produces gasoline, diesel, and heating oils but also flammable gases such as propane and butane which are pivotal to its operations.
Eyewitness accounts depicted the chaos following the explosion, with several local residents reporting hearing a loud bang leading to the immediate outbreak of the fire. Visual evidence captured on social media platforms showcased soaring flames and massive plumes of smoke, underscoring the intense situation emergency responders faced.
Following the safety alerts, local government officials reassured the public around 5:35 AM, indicating the immediate threat had subsided. “We have the situation under control,” Bayernoil stated on their website, highlighting their commitment to safety and outlining measures they have enacted since the incident. External emergency services were called to manage the blaze, and affected processes within the plant have been temporarily shut down as investigations continue.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined the extent of damages incurred by the explosion. Some reports indicate the refinery receives its crude oil supplies via the Transalpine Pipeline from Trieste, Italy, which is integral to operations.
With extensive safety protocols already implemented within the facility, Bayernoil has committed to reviewing and reinforcing these measures to prevent any similar incidents. This incident not only puts strain on the refinery’s operational capacity but also raises concerns among local communities relying on the company for jobs and economic stability.
Local authorities are expected to provide updates as investigations continue, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and informed through official communications.