Toxic chlorine cloud forces thousands indoors in Spain

Fire erupts at chemical warehouse

The fire began at dawn in a warehouse in the coastal city of Vilanova i la Geltru, just south of Barcelona. The facility was used to store swimming pool cleaning chemicals, which include chlorine-based substances.

Civil Protection issues emergency warning

Spain’s Civil Protection service urged residents across the affected area not to leave their homes or workplaces. The warning applied to five districts spanning from Vilanova i la Geltru to the village of Calafell near Tarragona. People were advised to close all doors and windows to limit exposure to the toxic fumes.

Firefighters contain blaze, monitor gas cloud

The regional fire service reported no casualties and said multiple units were deployed to control the fire. Authorities were actively monitoring the gas column for changes in direction and toxicity levels.

Transportation halted in affected areas

To ensure public safety, roads and train stations in the vicinity were closed, preventing access to and from the danger zone.

Possible cause linked to Lithium battery

Warehouse owner Jorge Vinuales Alonso told local radio that the fire might have been caused by a lithium battery. He explained that although chlorine is not highly flammable, it becomes extremely difficult to extinguish once ignited.

Toxic cloud expected to dissipate

Vilanova’s mayor, Juan Luis Ruiz Lopez, said on national television that the toxic cloud was expected to dissipate as the fire came under control. Authorities hope to lift safety measures once air quality improves.