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Toxic cloud forces indoor confinement for over 160,000 near Barcelona
Spanish authorities have issued a directive for more than 160,000 residents in proximity to Barcelona to remain indoors following a significant fire at an industrial facility that released a toxic cloud of chlorine over a vast area.
The incident occurred in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a coastal city located just south of Barcelona, where a blaze engulfed a building housing pool cleaning products, according to the regional fire service.
In a statement on social media, the Civil Protection service urged individuals in the affected zone to refrain from leaving their homes or workplaces. The hazardous area spanned five municipalities, extending from Vilanova i la Geltrú to the village of Calafell, located near Tarragona.
Fortunately, the fire service reported that no casualties have been recorded. A substantial number of emergency units were dispatched to the scene, successfully bringing the blaze under control. Authorities are currently monitoring the gas plume generated by the fire for changes and assessing its toxicity levels.
Jorge Vinuales Alonso, the owner of the industrial property, provided insights to local radio station Rac1, noting the challenges of extinguishing chlorine fires. "It is very difficult for chlorine to catch fire, but when it does, it is very hard to put it out," he explained. He also suggested that the fire might have been triggered by a lithium battery.
In light of this incident, local authorities continue to prioritize public safety while managing the aftermath of the blaze. The situation remains under close observation as residents await further updates.
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