[Val]

25 February 2008

Gas explosion halts Porsche production

A gas explosion in the paint shop at Porsche’s main factory in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, this morning has led to production of the 911 being halted.

Exact details are not yet clear as local police and fire brigade begin their investigation. In an official statement, Porsche says gas leaking from a PVC oven ignited, leading to unspecified damage.

Two workers suffered minor injuries in the explosion and were taken to hospital, but they have since been released. Owing to the activation of the sprinkler system some sections of the production hall where the 911 is assembled are under water.

Porsche says production of the 911, which nominally runs at around 160 cars per day, will be halted for at least two to three days, or until such time that the damage can be repaired.

As the body shop and engine production has not been affected, production of the Cayenne and Boxster/Cayman will continue unaffected at Porsche’s Leipzig plant and at its Finnish partner, Valmet respectively.

Source here: www.4rodas.com.br
Sorry people, it's in portuguese and I'm shocked!