A major fire at a chemical factory near Barcelona has released a huge toxic chlorine cloud over the region, prompting authorities to order more than 160,000 residents and tourists to stay indoors.
The blaze broke out at around 2.30am at a chemical storage plant in Vilanova i la Geltru, a coastal town about 25 miles from the Catalan capital. Firefighters were seen battling through the night to control the flames as thick plumes of smoke rose over the area.
Tourist hotspots have been affected, and international events cancelled, as authorities rushed to contain the fallout.
The fire is believed to have started in a unit storing around 70 tonnes of chlorine for swimming pool use. Factory owner Jorge Viñuales told media the cause is not yet known, but said it may be linked to a lithium battery.
Civil Protection authorities quickly issued a chemical alert, warning people in the affected areas to remain indoors and seal windows and doors.
An alert posted on X read: “If you are in the affected area, don’t leave your house or your place of work. An alert will be sent to mobile phones to inform people about the lockdown.” It added that people should avoid travelling to “danger areas”, listing Vilanova i la Geltru, Cubelles, Les Roquetes de Sant Pere de Ribes, Cunit and Calafell.
A receptionist at a hotel popular with British holidaymakers said: “All our guests are having to stay inside because no one can go out. It’s a lovely day here so people would normally be on the beach or strolling along the seafront.
“We don’t know how long the lockdown is going to last but obviously we hope it will be soon.”
One of the casualties of the emergency measures was the Vida BBQ — a prelude to the popular Vida Festival, which draws international music stars and thousands of fans each year to Vilanova i la Geltru.
Organisers said: “Faced with this situation our responsibility and commitment to the health and wellbeing of people who were due to attend this event obliges us to take this difficult decision.”
Catalan president Salvador Illa said the lockdown would remain in place “until there is no risk to the population” but insisted the situation was “under control”.
The local fire service said 24 crews were on the scene, and that the fire was stabilised by midday. Work to fully extinguish the blaze is ongoing.
