Several people are missing and others seriously injured after a huge explosion at a chemical factory in Germany.
Footage showed flames rising hundreds of feet into the air from BASF's headquarters in Ludwigshafen on Monday.
The company said work on a pipeline was believed to be the cause of the blast at around 11.30am local time (10.30am BST).
"Work on a pipeline led to an explosion with secondary fires," a spokesperson for BASF said.
"Several people were injured. Several people are still missing."
The cause of the blast was under investigation as emergency services fought the flames, with German authorities informed.
Residents in the western cities of Ludwigshafen and neighbouring Mannheim were asked to remain inside and keep their doors and windows closed as black smoke spread from the blaze.
Children were also kept inside at nurseries and schools, with local residents reporting breathing difficulties according to the Rheinpfalz newspaper.
The chemical complex is the headquarters of BASF, the world's largest chemical producer, which employs 33,000 people at its factory in Ludwigshafen alone.
The company produces a wide range of industrial products, including solvents, glues, petrochemicals, plastics and fertiliser.
It has set up emergency phonelines for anyone concerned about the explosion, who were being asked to call 0800 5050 500.
