Fire in Ezeiza: flames destroyed a warehouse in the southern area

A major incident mobilized firefighters from several barracks early this morning. The causes of the fire that affected industrial facilities are still being investigated

A violent explosion shook the Spegazzini Industrial Complex, located in the Buenos Aires town of Ezeiza, last night, causing multiple deflagrations that startled the residents of the area and unleashed a fire of great magnitude that required the intervention of some 380 firefighters, 70 units and more than 100 additional mobiles.

The incident, which occurred after 9 p.m. on Friday, generated a very broad shock wave that alerted the residents of the Buenos Aires city, who heard a loud rumble. More than 20 people were injured, of which only one man over 50 years of age remains in intensive care after suffering a heart attack.

Chaos and mass evacuation

The mayor of Ezeiza, Gastón Granados, described the scene as chaotic to the local media. "It's all very confusing, there was a strong explosion in the Spegazzini industrial estate. We are working to put out the fire and then to see what happened," he said, adding that "the windows of my house and the neighborhood exploded."

The authorities proceeded to preventively evacuate the families in the vicinity due to the magnitude of the fire and the risk of new explosions. The Buenos Aires Ministry of Health activated the red code in all hospitals in the region and issued a series of health recommendations for the population.

Companies affected and substances involved

Among the factories affected is a chemical plant where warehouses with products linked to agriculture and fertilization were set on fire, as well as Plásticos Lagos, a plastic packaging company. The companies affected were Iron Mountain, Larroca Minera, Almacén de Frío, Aditivos Alimentarios and a distributor.

One of the greatest risks during the control tasks focused on protecting a meatpacking industry with ammonia deposits located about 200 meters from the focus of the fire, according to Civil Defense sources.

Emergency operation and health alert

Fabián García, provincial director of Civil Defense, said that the fire is contained, although not extinguished, which means that it will not leave the limits where it develops. The official explained that initially it was not possible to enter the property due to the magnitude of the flames and that everything that was inside is already destroyed.

Approximately seven sheds were affected, including one with rubber and tires, which generated the dense column of black smoke visible from several kilometers. For the control tasks, drones, helicopters and specialized units of firefighters from Ezeiza, Esteban Echeverría, La Matanza, Cañuelas, San Vicente, Marcos Paz, Morón, Tres de Febrero and Brandsen were deployed.

Preventive measures and care for the injured

The meteorological authorities warned that a current of smoke with toxic substances was formed directed towards San Vicente and Cañuelas, so the residents of these cities were recommended to wear masks, close windows and stay inside their homes.

The 24 injured initially reported, including a pregnant woman intoxicated by smoke inhalation, were discharged on Saturday morning, as confirmed by health sources in the Province.

Location clarifications

The president of the Argentine Industrial Union (UIA), Martín Rapallini, clarified that the incident did not occur within the industrial parks managed by his group, but in an open area known as the Ezeiza Industrial Estate, on the other side of the Ezeiza-Cañuelas Highway.

So far, authorities continue to investigate the causes of the incident as they work to completely extinguish the fire. The Ezeiza International Airport, located 12 kilometers from the site, continued to operate normally despite the proximity of the incident.

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