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SPAIN-CHEMICALS-FIRE Chemical plant

Explosion at Chemical Plant Near Seville: Here’s What Happened

The blast generated a massive plume of thick black smoke visible from over 49 miles away

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, a significant explosion occurred at a chemical warehouse operated by Plainsur in the La Red industrial estate of Alcalá de Guadaíra, approximately 9.9 miles southeast of Seville, Spain. The blast generated a massive plume of thick black smoke, visible from over 49 miles away, prompting immediate public health concerns and emergency responses.

AP News reports that the explosion, which took place around 1:20 p.m. local time, led authorities to issue urgent warnings to residents within a 1.8 miles radius—about 25,000 people—advising them to stay indoors, close windows, and wear face masks due to potential exposure to toxic fumes.

According to The Express Tribune, two individuals sustained injuries: a plant worker suffered minor burns, and a firefighter experienced smoke inhalation. Both received medical attention and were reported to be in stable condition.

Smoke plume from the accident site. On May 14, 2025 in Alcala de Guadaira, Seville (Andalusia, Spain). (Rocio Ruz/Getty Images)

Firefighting Efforts and Containment

Emergency services, including firefighters from seven nearby stations, responded promptly to the incident. The fire was brought under control by the evening, though complete extinguishment extended into the following day due to the presence of flammable chemicals such as ethylene, toluene, and industrial solvents stored at the facility.

By May 15, Cadena SER reported that the fire had been fully extinguished, according to authorities. Air quality assessments indicated that the environment was safe, allowing residents to resume normal activities without the need for protective measures.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures

While the specific cause of the explosion remains under investigation, preliminary assessments suggest that a chemical reaction or equipment failure may have been responsible. Plainsur, the company operating the warehouse, specializes in the packaging and distribution of various chemical products, including acids and solvents.

In response to the incident, local authorities have initiated a thorough cleanup of the affected area and are reviewing safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. The event has also sparked discussions about industrial safety standards and emergency preparedness in the region.

This explosion follows a series of recent infrastructure challenges in Spain, including a nationwide power outage on April 28 and significant train disruptions due to cable theft, highlighting the need for enhanced safety and security measures across various sectors.