AKIPRESS.COM - A large explosion at a chemical waste facility in northwestern Germany has left several people injured.

One man had severe burns and others were slightly injured by the blast at the plant in Ritterhude near Bremen, BBC reports.

Several houses near the plant were evacuated, police said.

The fire was extinguished after burning for several hours. The cause of the blast is still unknown and authorities say an investigation will commence once the location has cooled down.

Residents reported hearing the explosion from several kilometres away.

Police said the burns victim was taken to hospital by helicopter, while the others had minor injuries.