Bayer Leverkusen: Two Dead, 31 Injured in Chemical Plant Explosion

Operator Says Cause of Blast Unclear

Bayer Leverkusen Reacts

Two people have died and at least 31 have been injured after an explosion rocked a chemical plant in Leverkusen, Germany. The operators of the site say it is not yet clear what caused the blast.

The explosion occurred at around 9:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. ET) at a chemical plant operated by Currenta, a company that provides services to the chemical industry. Bayer AG, the pharmaceutical and chemical giant, is the majority owner of Currenta.

Bayer Leverkusen, the Bundesliga soccer club, has released a statement expressing its condolences to the victims of the explosion. The club is based in Leverkusen, which is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the chemical plant.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic explosion in Leverkusen," the club said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We are also grateful to the emergency services for their quick response."

The explosion is the latest in a series of industrial accidents in Germany. In 2016, a blast at a chemical plant in Ludwigshafen killed five people and injured dozens more. In 2015, a fire at a chemical plant in Krefeld killed one person and injured several others.

The German government has ordered an investigation into the explosion. The investigation will be led by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.