Two Killed in Tanker Explosion in Germany

Photo credit: MarineTraffic.com/Waldermar Snoch

At least two people were killed in what has been described as a large explosion aboard an inland tanker berthed in Duisburg, Germany.

Local media reports says the blast occurred Thursday morning aboard the German-flagged MT Julius Rütgers at the Meiderich shipyard.

The bodies of two workers have been recovered and authorities were searching for a third missing worker.

Photos of video of the aftermath show that the explosion occurred in the forward part of ship, causing flames and thick black smoke that could be seen for miles.

The cause of the investigation has not been determined, reports say.

The fire has since been brought under control.

In Duisburg ist gerade ne Werft auf nem Tanker explodiert. Der Knall war mega Laut und die Fenster haben Vibriert ? pic.twitter.com/VisZ4pnse9

— Valentina. (@FaiyeValentine) March 31, 2016

#Explosion auf Tankschiff in #Duisburg: zwei Tote. https://t.co/lnX0ip0cMB pic.twitter.com/ATc2zrHXW3

— Christoph Witte (@Christoph_Witte) March 31, 2016

#Duisburg +++ Explosion war gewaltig, Trümmer flogen über 100 Meter weit. Ein Mann wird noch vermisst. pic.twitter.com/KCWBo5jX9F

— Andreas Wegener (@Andreas_Wegener) March 31, 2016

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