A major chemical disaster has occurred in a European city overnight. In Prague, the Czech Republic, firefighters are currently in the midst of battling a significant chemical blaze that erupted after a freight train derailed, causing carcinogenic benzene from damaged tank wagons to ignite. The derailment took place near the station in the town of Hustopeče nad Bečvou at around noon local time (1100 GMT). The resulting fire has produced thick black smoke billowing into the air, visible from a considerable distance.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the derailment which has fortunately not resulted in any injuries so far. The closest residential areas in the town are approximately 500 meters away from the fire, and while the smoke has not yet reached these homes, precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of all residents.
Firefighters on the scene have reported that out of the 17 tanks on the train, 15 are currently engulfed in flames. Each tank is estimated to have contained about 60 metric tons (66 tons) of the toxic substance. To combat the blaze, firefighters have deployed a helicopter and requested assistance from firefighting teams in neighboring Slovakia.
Although authorities have confirmed that dangerous substance levels above safety limits have not been detected in the town, residents have been advised to keep their windows closed and remain indoors as a precautionary measure. Initially, it was believed that the train was carrying benzol, but it was later revealed that the substance involved is benzene, which is utilized in the production of various chemical compounds.
