1921 / Explosion in Oppau

On September 21, 1921, the young Oppau plant is hit by a massive explosion. Over 500 lives are mourned; the plant and surrounding communities suffer major destruction. The incident occurs during routine blasts carried out to loosen ammonium sulfate nitrate fertilizer stored in a warehouse. In response to the explosion accident, BASF terminates the production of ammonia sulfate nitrate fertilizer and does not resume it until 1940 applying a modified process.