Major operation: Large fire at recycling center, railway line closed

An extensive firefighting operation is underway at a recycling center in Welgesheim, located in the Mainz-Bingen district of Germany. The blaze, which began on Thursday afternoon, involves around 100 tons of industrial residual waste burning within a storage hall. A visible smoke plume has been reported, visible from a considerable distance.

The intense heat at the scene has posed significant challenges for emergency crews. Six firefighters have received medical treatment, and two have been transported to a hospital. The scale of the operation involves approximately 165 emergency personnel from the district's disaster control.

In response to the thick smoke and reduced visibility, the railway line connecting Bingen and Worms has been temporarily closed. Authorities are monitoring air quality in the surrounding area with specialized teams and have urged residents to keep their windows and doors closed and to turn off ventilation systems to prevent smoke inhalation.