Fire erupted at German refinery; 8 injured, nearly 2,000 evacuated

Eight people were injured in Southern Germany after a fire erupted at refinery following an explosion.

Three people among the victims have suffered serious injuries.

According to report, the fire was so major that nearly 2,000 local residents of nearby town so Vohburg and Irsching have also been evacuated by authorities as a precautionary measure.

The explosion took place at around 5:30 am (0330 GMT) in a site run by the Bayernoil group near the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt. 

Around 200 firefighters are at the scene trying to extinguish the fire.

"The work to extinguish the flames is continuing," the police said. 

Emergency services also appealed to residents within a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius to "keep their doors and windows closed because of the smoke."

The cause of the explosion is not known yet.

Further details awaited.