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Fire and Explosion at Hamburg Port: Several Injured, Major Highway Closed

A major fire and subsequent explosion at a warehouse in Hamburg Port on Saturday afternoon injured several people and forced the closure of a key highway. Debris from the blast scattered onto the A7 autobahn, causing extensive traffic delays. Preliminary reports indicate the incident began with a car fire, which ignited pressurized gas containers—likely containing nitrous oxide. The Port of Hamburg, a critical European logistics hub, faced significant disruptions during the response.

Matson Suspends Electric Vehicle Shipments Due to Lithium Battery Fire Risks

Matson Navigation Company, one of the largest shipping lines serving the Pacific region, announced last Thursday the immediate suspension of electric vehicle and hybrid car shipments across all its routes. The decision comes amid growing safety concerns over lithium-ion battery fire risks during ocean transport. The electric vehicle shipping suspension affects both new and used EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles traveling between the US mainland, Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska. This move has caught customers and the automotive industry off guard, as Matson provides critical transportation services for both businesses and individuals in these markets.