Massive Fire At Hamburg Port Shuts Motorway, Disrupts Shipping, & Injures 10

A massive warehouse fire in Hamburg’s Veddel district on Monday, August 25, became a major emergency after hundreds of nitrous oxide cylinders exploded. The blasts forced evacuations, closed roads and canals, and injured at least 10 people.

The fire began around midday in a car inside the warehouse and quickly spread to nearby halls, containers, and vehicles. The exploding cylinders sent debris flying, making it too dangerous for firefighters to approach in the early hours.

Explosions disrupted shipping at the Port of Hamburg and forced the closure of several canals. The nearby A1 motorway between Norderelbe and Moorfleet was also shut due to flying debris, causing traffic jams up to 12 kilometers. A fire truck and a passing car were hit by shrapnel from the blasts.

The nearby Airbus copper factory suspended operations because of heavy smoke, but later sent machinery to help with firefighting efforts.

Hamburg Warehouse Fire Injures Five, Triggers Explosions and Motorway Closure

Hamburg, Germany – A massive fire broke out at a warehouse in the Port of Hamburg on Tuesday, leaving five people injured and causing widespread disruption, German news agency DPA reported.… pic.twitter.com/uJDce7P3q6

— Real Global News (@FelastoryMedia) August 26, 2025

Authorities said 25 people were rescued from the area, some by boat. Most were unharmed, but six civilians were injured, including one in critical condition and another with serious injuries.

Three firefighters sustained blast injuries during the operation, and one motorist on the motorway was also injured by flying debris.

Over 320 firefighters battled the inferno using fireboats, mobile water cannons, and special airport firefighting equipment. The warehouse roof collapsed overnight, and nearby containers and buildings caught fire.

By Tuesday, most of the blaze had been brought under control, though 120 firefighters remained to tackle smoldering embers and isolated pockets of fire. Authorities warned that hotspots could continue burning for several days.

Eine große Rauchsäule steht über #Hamburg. #Explosionen sind zu hören. Im Stadtteil Veddel steht eine Lagerhalle in Flammen. In der Halle soll zunächst ein #Auto in #Brand geraten sein, wodurch mehrere Gasflaschen explodierten. https://t.co/IYsIkOrHMX pic.twitter.com/RnrrreKyk3

— RT DE (@de_rt_com) August 25, 2025

On Wednesday, two containers reignited, causing more explosions. Firefighters used water cannons from a safe distance and set up water curtains to stop the flames from spreading. Around 30 firefighters worked to clear debris and open containers to put out remaining embers.

Toxic gases prevented police investigators from entering the site immediately to find the cause. A 400-meter exclusion zone stayed in place, and officials said the damaged warehouse will need to be demolished once the area is safe.

Hamburg’s Interior Minister Andy Grote praised the emergency crews for their professionalism and dedication, and sent wishes for a quick recovery to those injured.

Reference: dpa-international

Source: Maritime Shipping News