A freight train carrying benzene, a highly toxic and flammable chemical, derailed in the Czech Republic, triggering a large fire that sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
The incident occurred near Hustopeče nad Bečvou, about 50 kilometers southwest of the Polish border, on Friday.
Several tankers and the locomotive caught fire after the train split apart and derailed, according to initial reports. Firefighters from multiple regions were deployed, along with a mobile chemical monitoring lab, to contain the blaze. A nearby electric substation was also damaged, leading to a power outage in the area.
Eyewitnesses described flames reaching up to 20 meters high, and dramatic drone footage released by emergency responders showed charred tankers still burning. Firefighters used foam and water hoses to prevent further explosions, while a helicopter assisted in the response.
Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut due to concerns about air contamination. While officials stated that pollution levels had not exceeded safety limits, the situation remained under close monitoring.
Benzene is known to be cancer-causing and is present in aircraft fuel, plastics, dyes, and pesticides. Short-term exposure can cause dizziness, nausea, and tremors, while long-term exposure can lead to serious blood disorders and immune system damage, according to health experts.
Czech authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the derailment. Fire department officials reported that the train had been transporting 17 tanks of benzene, with about 60 tonnes per tanker. However, not all of the chemical is expected to burn or leak.
Emergency teams worked for several hours to bring the fire under control. Cleanup operations are now underway as investigators assess the full impact of the disaster.