Barcelona chemical fire: Authorities issue urgent warnings as toxic cloud engulfs region after fire
One of Spain’s most famous cities, Barcelona, is under government alert as a massive toxic chemical cloud of chlorine spreads across a region affecting al least 200,000 residents.
Spanish authorities have broadcast urgent alerts to a vast region on the northeastern outskirts of Barcelona, telling everyone to stay indoors and close all windows and doors as the cloud surges through the air.
A fire at a chemical factory caused the toxic cloud with health warnings issued to five nearby towns, authorities say.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Health services said that medics attended to four people who had reported breathing problems.
The fire broke out early on Saturday inside a warehouse at the plant near the town of Vilanova i la Geltrú.
The warehouse housed 70 tonnes of chlorine for use in swimming pools, firefighters said.
The stay-indoors order stayed in effect for seven hours for the nearest municipalities in the area between Barcelona and Tarragona on the Mediterranean coast.
Firefighters said that by Saturday afternoon that the fire was under control.
“If you are in the zone that is affected do not leave your home or your place of work,” the Civil Protection Service said on social media.
The five local districts along the coast that are affected, stretch from Vilanova i la Geltrú to the village of Calafell, near Tarragona.
Authorities say they are “monitoring the column [of gas] caused by the blaze for changes and for its toxic levels”.
with Reuters.
