![The cause of the explosion is not yet known [Anna Fross/via Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-07-27T102731Z_200226750_RC2XSO9Q7IPA_RTRMADP_3_GERMANY-BLAST.jpg?resize=770%2C513)
LEVERKUSEN (Germany), July 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — German environmental authorities said they were working on the assumption that the smoke generated from the blast that hit a chemicals plant in Leverkusen could contain toxic compounds.
The environment agency in the state of North Rhine Westphalia, in which Leverkusen lies, referred to dioxin, PCB and furane compounds that could have been carried to surrounding areas following the explosion on Tuesday morning.
An agency spokesman said the tanks involved in the blast at the Chempark in Leverkusen contained chlorinated solvents.
“For this reason, we are assuming currently that dioxin, PCB and furane compounds were carried by the smoke plume to the surrounding residential areas,” he said.
The levels at which this occurred was currently under investigation, but the tests were complex, he said.
The blast destroyed a tank depot at a disposal centre.
Two people died in the explosion, and five people were still missing. However, rescuers have little hope of finding more survivors, plant operators said.
“Unfortunately, we have to assume that we will not find the five missing people alive,” Hyldmar said.
Four of those missing were Currenta employees and one was an employee of an external company. He expressed his condolences to the relatives.
He said 31 people were injured in the blast, at least one of whom was seriously injured.
Residents of the city, which lies on the Rhine to the south of Cologne, were advised not to consume any produce grown in their gardens. Playgrounds were also shut and advice issued for doors and windows to be kept closed. — NNN-AGENCIES
