In Cologne, the all-clear has been given for the immediate neighbourhood after a chemical accident at FrieslandCampina. In three silos, about 11,000 litres of caustic soda and 4,000 litres of formic acid have come together for reasons that have not yet been explained. This mixture has to be pumped out by the fire brigade to prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere.
Residents were initially asked to close their windows and doors and turn off their ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Formic acid has not been allowed to be used for a long time. It is unclear how it got into the silos. According to the operating company, the delivery was declared as caustic soda.
Yesterday morning, when a truck was being unloaded, a chemical reaction with heavy smoke occurred. No one was injured. Nevertheless, ten employees were taken to hospital as a precaution.
