Hundreds of firefighters battle chemical plant blaze in Chile's Santiago
Hundreds of firefighters battled a major fire at a chemical plant in Chile's capital on Tuesday after a series of explosions reportedly sent a toxic cloud over the northern district of Quilicura.
Footage showed thick black smoke rising above the Panimex chemical plant as firefighters and dozens of fire engines worked to contain the blaze.
"We are working and planning for the next eight hours. We hope to finish sooner, but since chemicals are involved, we are moving forward bit by bit," Quilicura Fire Chief Carlos Cid said.
Authorities said about 20 workers safely evacuated the facility when the fire broke out, with no deaths or injuries reported.
Around 300 firefighters and 40 fire engines were deployed. Police said preliminary information suggested the blaze may have been caused by an ammonia leak, although the cause remains under investigation.
Mayor Paulina Bobadilla criticised the company over repeated safety incidents, noting it was the fourth major emergency at the Panimex plant since 2013.
Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed and suspended classes in Quilicura as a precaution.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
