Chemical reaction at Bavarian plant sends four to hospital VIDEO

At least four people were injured following an accident at the Schnar Oberflachentechnik galvanising plant in Mainaschaff, located in the southern German state of Bavaria, the Main-Echo news portal reported.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when a metal part accidentally fell into a vat containing nitric acid, triggering a chemical reaction that produced a dense yellowish cloud.

Fearing the cloud might be toxic, authorities initially urged residents of the nearby city of Aschaffenburg to remain indoors, close their windows and doors, and avoid going outside. The precautionary restrictions have since been lifted.

Earlier reports mentioned two injured individuals, but local officials later confirmed that at least four people were affected. The fire service carried out multiple air-quality tests both at the site and several kilometres away; no hazardous substances were detected, Main-Echo emphasised.

Roughly 300 firefighters, 50 emergency responders, and 15 police officers were deployed to contain the situation. In addition to standard fire engines, teams equipped with specialised hazardous-material decontamination gear were sent to the site. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Schnar Oberflachentechnik, which owns the 30,000-square-meter facility, has operated in Mainaschaff since 1958. The company specialises in chemical, galvanic, and mechanical surface treatment technologies, according to Main-Echo.

By Tamilla Hasanova