Self-decomposing waste shipped from Denmark caused the deadly explosion at a hazardous waste incineration plant in Leverkusen on July 27, 2021, investigators have determined, closing a long-running probe into the blast that killed seven people and injured 31.
The North Rhine-Westphalia environmental crime unit dropped criminal proceedings against employees of plant operator Currenta for insufficient evidence but sought a 1.9 million euro fine against the company. Investigations continue against the Danish waste producer and a Hamburg-based waste broker suspected of roles in the shipment.
A storage tank containing the Danish material detonated at the site, which sits within one of Germany's largest chemical parks. Currenta has since sued the Danish waste company for more than 150 million euros in damages.