Ezeiza, Argentina — A series of powerful explosions rocked an industrial area on Friday, triggering a large fire that injured over 20 individuals. The blasts created towering clouds of black smoke that lit up the night sky above the site, located near Buenos Aires’ busiest international airport.
Local authorities reported that the explosions originated from multiple factories within the industrial estate, which prompted immediate responses from firefighting teams. Gaston Granados, the mayor of Ezeiza, described the chaos unfolding at the scene, noting the enormity of the situation. “We are facing a major challenge in trying to contain and extinguish the flames,” he said in a television interview. Granados also revealed that the windows of nearby homes, including his own, were shattered due to the force of the blasts, leading to evacuations in the area.
Witnesses reported the frightening intensity of the explosions, which could be heard from several miles away. Panic ensued as residents fled the vicinity, fearing for their safety amid the chaos. Emergency services worked diligently to manage the situation, but initial efforts to control the fire proved difficult.
Carlos Santoro, director of a local hospital, confirmed that his facility had treated 22 patients with injuries linked to the incident. Many of those injured were civilians who were near the scene when the explosions occurred. Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of injuries and damages.
The incident raised significant concerns over safety regulations in industrial zones, igniting discussions among community members and local officials about the potential risks associated with such facilities. Investigators are expected to probe the factories involved to determine the cause of the explosions.
As firefighters battled the blaze into the night, the mayor urged residents to stay clear of the affected area, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in emergency situations. The local community is left grappling with the aftermath of the explosions, as they await further updates on the investigation and the well-being of the injured.