Industrial accident at Emsland-Stärke GmbH, Emlichheim

On 28 January a cloud of Nitric acid escaped from the chemical plant of Emsland-Stärke GmbH, Emlichheim, Germany.

The managing directors of the company released the following statement:

"On Monday 28. January 2013, at 11.30 a.m., nitric acid escaped from a chemical plant and a small gas cloud developed."


"Respective mechanisms operated immediately – the research and development center was immediately evacuated as well as all other departments affected. We immediately deactivated the plants and at the same time informed all emergency services which arrived within a very short time."

"On account of this cautious conduct, fortunately no-one was injured. As a result of the wind direction, the gas cloud has not moved towards Emlichheim, which means that the population of Emlichheim was at no time in danger. We were able to stop the leakage at 03.30 p.m. and work was re-commenced. We are now busy looking for the cause of this accident."

They also thanked all emergency services for their professional and swift support.

Source: Emsland Group