One dead in Rotterdam port refinery blast

Rotterdam, Netherlands experienced a tragic explosion at a port refinery operated by the Swiss-based Gunvor Group on Thursday. At least one fatality was reported, with several others injured in the incident. The explosion took place at around 11:30 am (0930 GMT) in the Gunvor Energy Rotterdam site located within the Europoort port area, which is part of one of the world's largest chemical and petrochemical industrial zones.

Emergency services, including multiple ambulances and a medical helicopter, responded promptly to the scene following the blast. Authorities confirmed the death toll but were unable to provide further details on the number of injured individuals or their medical conditions. A Gunvor Energy Rotterdam spokesperson stated that maintenance work was being carried out in a tank pit when the incident occurred.

Rotterdam police spokesperson Dean Valkenburg informed AFP that multiple investigative parties, including forensic experts and the labor inspectorate, are involved in the ongoing investigation. The investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances that led to the explosion. Gunvor Energy Rotterdam has also declared its willingness to cooperate with the authorities throughout the inquiry process.