Rotterdam port explosion kills one, several wounded; cause under investigation: Report

A port spokesperson said that blast at the port had no impact on operations at the port’s LNG terminals

Updated on: Aug 13, 2026, 19:24:08 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

An explosion at Rotterdam port in the Netherlands left one person dead and several others wounded, the police said, according to Reuters.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear and is under investigation, police said. (Screengrab/@RT_Breaking)

The cause of the explosion, which occured at 11.30 am local time, remains unclear and is under investigation, police said.

A port spokesperson said that blast at the port had no impact on operations at the port’s LNG terminals.

The explosion occurred at a Gunvor Energy storage facility, the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Reuters, adding that it was not linked to power outages reported earlier in the day.

A police spokesperson said there was no immediate indication of sabotage, though it remained among the scenarios being investigated.

A number of oil and gas companies are based there and fire crews were standing by, said a AP report.

Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and comprises oil refineries, liquefied natural gas terminals and multiple petrochemical facilities. Shell, Exxon Mobil, BP and Gunvor Energy are among the energy majors operating at the port.

Shell said its operations at the port were unaffected by the blast.

(With inputs from agencies).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.