Workers May Be Charged in German Airport Fire

German prosecutors announced Friday that they may file negligent homicide charges against maintenance workers allegedly responsible for a fire that killed 16 people at Dusseldorf’s international airport Thursday.

Investigators said they believe that Germany’s worst airport fire began when sparks from a welder’s torch ignited insulation in the ceiling above the arrival terminal, causing a deadly cloud of toxic gases to roll through the passenger area.

By the time firefighters had extinguished the blaze five hours later, 16 people were dead and 62 others had been injured. Nine of the injured, including two still in critical condition, remained in the hospital Friday.

Damage to Germany’s second-largest airport was estimated at $67 million and forced extensive rerouting of air traffic in northwest Germany. The airport is expected to stay closed at least until Monday.