Toxic chemical train derailment sparks massive fire in Czechia

A freight train transporting the highly toxic chemical benzene derailed in Czechia on Friday, igniting a massive fire and sending thick black smoke across the sky. 

The incident occurred near Hustopeče nad Bečvou, about 50 kilometers southwest of the Polish border. 

Officials said several tankers and a locomotive caught fire, leading to an extensive emergency response. Firefighters from multiple regions, a chemical monitoring unit and a helicopter were deployed to contain the blaze. 

No injuries have been reported, but the fire left behind a trail of destruction, with damage estimated at around $5 million.

Eyewitness reports and drone footage captured the sheer scale of the disaster. Flames shot up 20 meters high as firefighters struggled to contain the fire.  

"The amount of benzene that actually burned or leaked is still being determined, but every tanker contained the same hazardous substance," said fire department spokesperson Lucie Balážová. 

What is benzene?

The train was transporting benzene from the DEZA chemical plant in Valašské Meziříčí.

Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid, widely used in industrial applications such as plastics, resins and dyes. Exposure to high levels of benzene can cause severe health issues, including dizziness, tremors, vomiting and long-term damage to the immune system.

Local authorities told Czech media the town immediately cut off electricity after the fire broke out and used mobile and social media alerts to warn residents to stay indoors.

"We haven't seen anything like this before, said Mayor Júlia Vozáková. "We're doing everything we can to keep people safe."

Specialists from the Czech fire service's chemical unit assessed the air quality and reassured residents that pollution levels had "not yet exceeded" dangerous limits.

However, officials urged locals to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors shut as a precaution.

Police have yet to determine whether human error, mechanical failure or another factor played a role in the accident.