A Sabic chemicals factory on an industrial estate near Geleen was shut down on Thursday after a mysterious powder leaked into the atmosphere.

The powder was released after a safety catch at the factory opened, sending the substance into the sky, news agency ANP reported. Eyewitnesses said they had heard a loud bang prior to the leak.

The industrial estate organisation Chemelot said in a statement the powder is not dangerous and can be removed with soap and water. The factory has been shut down while an investigation into the cause takes place.

According to news agency ANP, this is the third time the industrial estate has had to deal with a powder leak. In addition, earlier this month, locals had to deal with an unpleasant smell because of problems with a storage tank containing the fuel naptha.

The Chemelot industrial state in southern Limburg is home to dozens of chemicals companies and was launched in 2005.