It is burning in a chemical plant in the town of Rouen in northern France. French media reported huge flames and explosions in the factory. The prefecture of the Normandy region advised citizens to avoid the area.
According to the authorities, no people have been harmed so far. Residents within a radius of 500 meters should remain at home, advised the Interior Ministry. In Rouen and ten surrounding communities, schools and nurseries are closed. Residents of retirement homes are required not to leave.
The cause of the fire is still unclear. In Lubrizol's factory, additives for oils are produced. Thus, the factory belongs to the so-called Seveso category of dangerous production sites, which are particularly monitored by authorities. In 1976, a devastating chemical accident occurred in the Italian municipality of Seveso.
Pierre-André Durand, prefect of the Normandy region, told news broadcaster BFMTV that so far there is no "high toxicity" on samples.
Rouen is the capital of the region. It is located on the Seine between Paris and the port city of Le Havre.
