Eight injured and hundreds evacuated in German oil refinery explosion

1,800 residents in Vohburg pulled out following blaze at Bayernoil site

Firefighters at the Bayernoil refinery in Vohburg (AP)

Eight people were injured when a huge fire broke out following an explosion at an oil refinery in southern Germany early on Saturday.

Another 1,800 people living near the Bayernoil facility in the town of Vohburg were initially evacuated from their homes, but they have since been able to return.

Firefighters are still tackling the blaze at the site in Bavaria, and police warned there was “a risk of more explosions”.

The fire spread quickly after a loud detonation was heard at the refinery around 5.30am. Large clouds of smoke billowing from the site could be seen several miles away.

All eight people injured in the incident were Bayernoil employees, according to the German media agency dpa.

Police said three of the victims were hospitalised having suffered either “medium” or “serious” injuries.

Residents in Vohburg were initially evacuated because of fears of toxic smoke, but air tests later showed it was safe enough to allow them to return to their homes.

Police said there is currently no danger for residents, but recommended anyone living within 20km of the refinery keep their windows and doors closed.

Around 400 firefighters, emergency workers and police officers were deployed at the scene today.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known.

Additional reporting by agencies