Chemical incident initiated by chlorine fire causes emergency situation in Catalonia, Spain, resulting in various towns being placed under lockdown.
Get the lowdown on the recent hazardous situation that forced lockdowns in several towns.
A fiery breakdown occurred at a pool chemicals factory in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia, on Saturday, May 10, 2025. At around 2:20 am, a blaze erupted at Clim Waterpool, a company specializing in swimming pool cleaning solutions. The factory stored about 70 tonnes of chlorine, a seriously harmful substance when it ignites, causing a toxic cloud to form.
Swift Action and Containment Measures
The affected area, located at 18 Rambla dels Països Catalans in Vilanova i la Geltrú, saw six nearby towns—Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, Cubelles, Cunit, Calafell, and Roquetes—placed under lockdown. Over 160,000 residents were asked to stay indoors as a protective measure.
Firefighters from Catalonia report that they managed to put out the blaze, now in the stabilization phase, holding back its expansion to nearby industrial buildings. Authorities haven't reported any injuries, as wind conditions directed the toxic cloud towards the sea, lessening the risk to populated regions.
Safety Guidelines and Advice
The town council of Vilanova i la Geltrú warned of cancellations for events, outdoor sports, libraries, the central market, and the fish market through their social media. Residents were ordered to keep indoors, close doors and windows, and refrain from using air-conditioning systems filtering contaminated outdoor air.
Health authorities reminded anyone with symptoms such as eye irritation, breathing difficulties, or general discomfort to seek immediate medical attention. Civil Protection remains in continuous contact with local authorities and police across affected municipalities, ensuring a coordinated response.
Although lockdowns have been lifted, caution remains advised due to potential changes in wind conditions. Stay tuned for further updates.
- Emergency
- Catalonia
- Chemicals
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- The toxic cloud emergency in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia, originated from a pool chemicals factory called Clim Waterpool.
- Residents near the affected area, including those from six surrounding towns, were asked to stay indoors due to the risk posed by the chlorine storage and subsequent fire.
- Despite the potential danger, authorities reported no injuries, as wind conditions directed the toxic cloud towards the sea, reducing risks to populated regions.
- In light of the emergency, the town council provided safety guidelines, such as closing doors and windows, and avoiding use of air conditioning systems in an effort to minimize exposure.
- As a precaution, local authorities and health officials are reminding individuals with medical conditions like eye irritation, breathing difficulties, or general discomfort to seek immediate medical attention.
- Though lockdowns have been lifted, residents are advised to remain cautious due to the unpredictable nature of wind conditions and the potential for further complications in the environmental-science and health-and-wellness industry, including finance and the aerospace sector.
