At least 20 people have died and more than 20 others have been injured after a massive explosion tore through a petrochemical and industrial hub on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The blast erupted late on Friday in Ezeiza, south of the capital and part of the Greater Buenos Aires area, triggering a chain of violent secondary explosions that swept through several factories.
According to a report, huge flames and dense clouds of black smoke rose above the industrial area, which includes tyre manufacturers, chemical plants and other production facilities. Drone and television footage showed fire consuming large sections of the complex.
Ezeiza mayor Gaston Granados described the scale of the incident as unprecedented. “We are trying to bring the blaze under control, but we have not succeeded yet.” He added that the cause of the explosion remained unclear.
The Argentine Federal Emergency Agency said it had deployed emergency teams to the site and was taking all necessary measures to support rescue operations and assist the injured. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise further as firefighters and rescue workers continued their search.
Carlos Santoro, director of a nearby hospital, confirmed that at least 22 injured people had been brought in for treatment.
According to local media reports, five factories were affected by the blasts and subsequent fire.
Firefighters, police and emergency response teams remained at the scene on Saturday as efforts continued to contain the blaze and secure the surrounding area.
