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OVER 1,800 people were evacuated from an area around a Kraft Foods factory in Bad Fallingbostel, Germany after a chemical accident on 15 October.

A tank of nitric acid was inadvertently mixed with sodium hydroxide, according to local media reports, setting off a chemical reaction. Kraft spokesperson Heike Hauerken tells tce that the 250 employees of the factory, which produces cream cheese, ketchup and mayonnaise, were evacuated immediately, along with residents from the neighbouring area, Am Weinberg. Nobody was injured and the fire service was called.

Clouds of nitrous gases, which are harmful to skin and the respiratory system, were released. The local authorities declared a state of emergency and the evacuation zone was widened to 500 m away from the factory perimeter. The evacuation saw 1,800 people relocated from their homes into emergency accommodation in sports centres and nearby function rooms. 

Around 1,000 firefighters were on the scene cooling the tank while teams attempted to pump out the contents of the tank. Police were on the scene to secure the area and support the evacuation procedure. The ambulance service and representatives from local government were also on hand.

“On October 16, 15:45 pm after the successful emptying of the tank, the authorities lifted the state of emergency and ended the evacuation. People were allowed to return to their houses,” says Hauerken. “We are very thankful for the full support of all authorities and local government involved.”

A full investigation into the cause of the accident will now begin.