Firefighters are battling a devastating blaze involving a freight train carrying benzene, a highly toxic chemical, after the train derailed near Hustopeče nad Bečvou. The incident has resulted in significant smoke plumes and damage to local infrastructure.
Czech Republic Train Fire: Toxic Benzene Blaze Forces Emergency Response
Czech Republic Train Fire: Toxic Benzene Blaze Forces Emergency Response
A freight train derailment in the Czech Republic unleashes a large toxic fire, drawing extensive firefighting efforts.
A freight train carrying a dangerous load of benzene has derailed in the Czech Republic, leading to a major fire incident that required the mobilization of emergency services from multiple regions. Eyewitness reports describe flames reaching up to 20 meters high and a dense black smoke cloud visible from several kilometers away. Fortunately, railway officials confirmed that there were no injuries reported despite the scale of the incident, which occurred south-west of the Polish border on Friday.
According to local media, the train was transporting around 15 tankers full of benzene, a substance known for its cancer-causing properties and presence in various fuels and industrial products. Initial investigations suggest that the train "split apart" before the derailment, which also ignited a nearby electric substation and caused power outages in Hustopeče.
Firefighters responded promptly, utilizing heavy foam to contain the flames and prevent further explosions, while aerial support was provided by a helicopter. A specialized mobile chemical monitoring lab was also dispatched to assess the situation. The local fire department indicated that the derailment affected approximately 60 tonnes of benzene per tanker, but specified that not all would necessarily ignite or leak during the crisis.
As they fought the fire for several hours, emergency personnel worked effectively to limit the damage, which is estimated to total around 125 million Czech koruna (£4.1 million). Local residents were advised to remain indoors and avoid opening windows due to concerns over air quality, although officials stated that pollution levels had not exceeded safety thresholds at the time of reporting.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the derailment while emphasizing the potential hazards associated with benzene exposure, which can cause serious health complications and environmental risks.
According to local media, the train was transporting around 15 tankers full of benzene, a substance known for its cancer-causing properties and presence in various fuels and industrial products. Initial investigations suggest that the train "split apart" before the derailment, which also ignited a nearby electric substation and caused power outages in Hustopeče.
Firefighters responded promptly, utilizing heavy foam to contain the flames and prevent further explosions, while aerial support was provided by a helicopter. A specialized mobile chemical monitoring lab was also dispatched to assess the situation. The local fire department indicated that the derailment affected approximately 60 tonnes of benzene per tanker, but specified that not all would necessarily ignite or leak during the crisis.
As they fought the fire for several hours, emergency personnel worked effectively to limit the damage, which is estimated to total around 125 million Czech koruna (£4.1 million). Local residents were advised to remain indoors and avoid opening windows due to concerns over air quality, although officials stated that pollution levels had not exceeded safety thresholds at the time of reporting.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the derailment while emphasizing the potential hazards associated with benzene exposure, which can cause serious health complications and environmental risks.
