A massive explosion and subsequent fire at a chemical warehouse in Alcalá de Guadaíra, near Seville in southern Spain, have forced approximately 80,000 residents to remain indoors due to fears of toxic smoke inhalation, authorities reported Wednesday.
The blaze, which broke out around 1:20 p.m. local time at the La Red industrial estate, sent a towering plume of dark smoke visible from more than 80 kilometers away. One person was hospitalized with burns, but no further injuries have been confirmed.
Andalusia’s Emergency Services said the explosion occurred at a facility operated by Plainsur, a chemical distribution company active since 1985. The warehouse, spanning 11,000 square meters, stores bulk liquid chemicals and over 5,000 pallets of materials. Authorities have not yet identified the specific chemicals involved in the fire.
Local officials activated Spain’s Es-Alert system, sending emergency notifications to mobile devices in the area, urging residents to stay inside, close windows and doors, and wear masks if possible. The regional government of Andalusia declared a Level 1 emergency, the highest local alert level, as firefighters from seven nearby towns battled the flames.
Precautionary evacuations were carried out at the warehouse and surrounding industrial buildings. Meanwhile, nearby municipalities monitored air quality amid concerns over potential toxicity.
The incident follows recent infrastructure disruptions in Spain, including a chemical plant fire in the northeast last weekend that prompted health warnings for 150,000 people, a widespread April power outage affecting Spain and Portugal, and copper cable thefts that disrupted rail service between Madrid and Seville.
Authorities continue to assess the situation, with emergency teams working to contain the fire and prevent further spread. Updates are expected as investigations progress.