READ HERE: At least 14 workers have been injured in an explosion and subsequent fire at the BASF Ludwigshafen plant in Germany, the multinational chemical giant has said.

The incident unfolded on Monday afternoon when a blast was heard at the sprawling plant, the largest integrated chemicals production complex in the world. A thick plume of black smoke was seen emanating from the facility, with locals reportedly told to keep their windows and doors shut. Authorities later gave the all-clear and lifted the notice.