Now for a look at news making headlines around the world this Wednesday 28 July 2021:

Massive Explosion in Germany

One person has been killed, 16 people are injured and four others are still missing after an explosion at an industrial park in the German city of Leverkusen. Drone footage shows the extent of the blaze, which took over three hours to extinguish. The Chempark facility is home to one of the world’s largest chemical companies, Bayer. Of the 16 people injured, one is listed as critical. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Wildfires Threaten Athens

A wildfire is tearing through small towns north of Athens. Several homes have already been lost in the town of Rodopoli, although no injuries have been reported. Officials say it’s a difficult fire to contain, with strong winds leading to flare-ups at several locations simultaneously. 310 firefighters, 12 helicopters and nine planes are busy fighting the fires. The blaze is bringing back bitter memories of a fire that burned through the seaside town of Mati near Athens in 2018, killing 102 people in just a matter of hours.

Brazen Robbery in Paris

And, almost $2.5-million’s worth of jewellery has been stolen from a Chaumet jewellery store close to the Champs-Elysee in Paris. In broad daylight, a man walked into the store, pulled out a gun and helped himself to diamond necklaces, rings and watches before making his getaway on a stand-up scooter. Chaumet has not confirmed exactly how much was stolen. The local prosecutor's office has opened an investigation and is studying CCTV footage from the area. Chaumet is one of France's oldest jewellery brands and is owned by the luxury goods conglomerate LVM.