Explosion at Shell refinery

Reports say the explosion at the site took place at 15.15pm local time on Thursday, sending up a large plume of smoke. Firefighters are reportedly tackling a blaze at a 4,000m3 storage tank.

Shell Chemicals has yet to confirm the explosion or make any comment on the extent of damage to the refinery.

The Cologne-Godorf refinery primarily manufactures benzene, toluene and xtlenes. It has been in operation since 1960.

Photos of the explosion have been posted on twitter by local residents and office workers, such as the one above by Britta Achenbach. Updates on the situation can be followed on twitter through the hastags #shell #cologne and #godorf.