A hydrogen tank explosion rocked a company premises in Lebring Styria around 1:00 p.m., resulting in minor injuries to one individual who was promptly taken to a regional hospital for treatment of abrasions. At the time of the explosion, ten people were reportedly inside the company. The incident occurred within a smaller tank, and the root cause behind the explosion remains undisclosed. The potential for subsequent explosions has yet to be mitigated.
Markus Lamb, a spokesperson for the police, shared that a team of experts is diligently working to safely empty the remaining hydrogen tank, aiming to avert any additional hazards. This intricate process is expected to extend well into the night. In response to the incident, the entire industrial area was evacuated, and a specialized team, comprising hazardous substances experts and the fire unit of the Styrian State Criminal Police Office, is actively managing the situation on-site.
As part of the assessment strategy, both a police helicopter and a drone have been deployed to evaluate the ongoing danger. Local residents and individuals in proximity have been cautioned to maintain a safe distance from the area due to potential risks. The mayor of the neighboring Lang municipality recounted hearing a loud explosion and experiencing a discernible pressure wave emanating from the event.
Consequently, the Pyhrnautobahn (A9) route connecting Leibnitz and Wildon exits in Styria faced temporary closure in both directions. However, operations have now resumed. Although the entry lane for Graz Airport was closed in response to the incident, aviation operations remained unimpacted.
The company situated within the Lebring industrial park specializes in the research and testing of alternative propulsion systems, with a focus on hydrogen and natural gas storage solutions. Their product applications encompass the automotive sector, storage systems, and the refueling mechanisms of vehicles. The explosion has triggered not only immediate evacuation procedures but also a comprehensive expert inquiry and safety measures to forestall any potential future risks.