Explosions and Fire Rock Industrial Zone Near Buenos Aires, Dozens Injured

Buenos Aires authorities reported multiple explosions and a large fire in an industrial area south of the city on Friday night, sending at least 22 people to local hospitals.

Gaston Granados, mayor of Ezeiza where the incident occurred, described the situation as severe. “The explosions and fire breaking out in the different factories are huge,” he said. The cause of the blasts remains under investigation.

Television footage from the scene showed thick black smoke rising from the industrial complex, as emergency crews rushed to contain the flames. Granados said firefighting teams were working to control the fire, but progress had been limited due to its intensity.

Hospital director Carlos Santoro confirmed that 22 injured individuals had been admitted, though he did not provide details on the severity of their injuries.

Local reports indicated that five factories were affected by the explosions and subsequent fire. The industrial area is home to a variety of businesses, including tire manufacturers and chemical producers, raising concerns about potential hazards from the materials involved.

Fabian Garcia, civil defense director for Buenos Aires province, described the incident as “a complex fire” that could take hours to bring under control. He warned that firefighting efforts would likely be prolonged due to the scale of the blaze and the number of facilities involved.

Authorities have urged residents in nearby areas to remain cautious, noting that the smoke could pose health risks. Emergency services are on high alert, coordinating firefighting and rescue operations as they attempt to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the industrial zone.

While the cause of the explosions has not been determined, officials said investigations would begin as soon as the fire is under control. Industrial safety experts have raised concerns about the potential for chemical hazards given the types of factories located in the area.

The incident has drawn attention to the safety measures at industrial sites in the Buenos Aires region, with local authorities promising a full assessment once the emergency subsides.

As of Friday night, fire crews were continuing their efforts to extinguish the flames, with the situation described as ongoing and volatile. Officials emphasized the importance of public vigilance while emergency services work to secure the area and assess damage.