The major fire in a recycling company for batteries in Offenbach, among other things, has been brought under control. The fire broke out on Sunday evening on containers outside and spread to a warehouse, said a spokesman for the city of Offenbach early in the morning.
Several explosions had also been heard. The fire brigade was able to prevent further spread. By midnight, around 250 emergency services were busy extinguishing the flames.
According to the information, about 30 emergency services breathed in smoke gas due to a sudden change in wind. They were taken to a hospital for protection. So nobody was injured. The enormous clouds of smoke that had spread over the east of the city in the evening settled over the course of the night, the spokesman said. There is still smoke on site.
Pollutant measurements so far negative
Because of the major fire, there were diversions in long-distance and local traffic for about an hour on the train. In the meantime, however, everything is going according to plan again, said a railway spokesman shortly after 10 p.m.
According to the city, about 20 people from nearby houses had left them as a precaution. The pollutant measurements were all negative, it said. Some residents complained of burning eyes and scratchy throats and a strong odor. However, these are the usual irritations that smoke can cause, it said. According to the measurements, however, there was no danger from the burning of batteries on the site. No toxic pollutants would have spread.
The police said residents in Offenbach were asked to keep windows and doors closed. Because of the company’s location, no major road closures were necessary, a spokeswoman said. As soon as it is possible, the fire investigation team of the criminal police will start their work.
