At least two killed as blast rocks German chemical facility

A dark cloud of smoke rises above the chemical park in Leverkusen, Germany, Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Firefighters from the site fire department are on duty. (Mirko Wolf/dpa via AP)

An explosion at an industrial park for chemical companies in Germany has killed at least two people, with 31 others injured and several still missing hours later.

Fire officials who tested the air said there did not appear to be a danger to nearby residents in Leverkusen, near Cologne, after authorities initially urged people to shelter inside.