Hanover explosion LIVE: ‘Mass casualty incident’ with several injured in blast

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The windows of the building are shattered (Image: Nord-West-Media TV)

A huge incident believed to have led to numerous injuries has been reported in Germany.

The emergency services are currently at Continental Tyres, at the company’s Vahrenwald site in Hanover. Photos from the scene show shattered windows.

The incident has been described as a mass casualty incident following a boiler explosion, the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.

According to local media, there are believed to have been fatalities as a result of the incident. So far, at least two people have been injured.

The Continental plant in Hanover-Vahrenwald, Germany manufactures air bellows for passenger-car air springs.

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What is Continental Tyres?

Continental is a German multinational automotive parts manufacturing company. 

It is the world’s third-largest automotive supplier and the fourth-largest tyre manufacturer. 

Continental develops technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility. 

Continental Tyre Factories Closing Protests

Continental Tyre factory (Image: Getty)

Company was expected to stop operations in 2026

The Continental plant in Hanover-Vahrenwald, Germany manufactures air bellows for passenger-car air springs.

However, production at this location was expected to stop in the first half of 2026. 

The Automotive group sector was meant to take over the production of passenger-car air springs independently. The relocation is expected to affect 126 jobs.

Continental sign on a wall. Continental is the world's third largest automotive supplier.

(Image: Getty)

Believe to have fatalities

Local German media reports that there have been fatalities, however, the number of deaths is yet to be determined.

Boiler exploded in the building

The source of the explosion is known to be a boiler according to Bild, however the cause of it is not known yet. 

The plant is a production site of the Continental division ContiTech where they process rubber.

‘Strong explosion’ at 10am

At around 10 am there was a strong explosion. This caused several windows on the fifth floor to break, a fire department spokeswoman confirmed to BILD. “One person was injured, five other people were affected. The consequences of the explosion were also clearly visible in the area.” – from BILD

Continental building in Hanover

Continental building in Hanover (Image: Google 360)

Several windows broken in the explosion

The explosion is believed to have reported at about 10am.

A fire department spokesperson told German publication BILD that several windows on the fifth floor broke.

Incident at Continental’s Vahrenwald site

Incident took place at the German car parts maker Continental’s Vahrenwald site, a spokesperson for the fire brigade said on Thursday.

At least two persons injured

German media has reported that at least two people have been injured in the explosion so far.

‘Five others are currently being examined, said fire brigade spokesperson Charlotte Kubel.

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