Local sources from Spain: Cadena SER, RTVE.es.
UK coverage: London Evening Standard.
In a swift response to an unprecedented environmental emergency, Catalonia has officially lifted the lockdown imposed on five municipalities in the regions of Barcelona and Tarragona. This decision came after a toxic cloud, emanating from a fire at a chlorine factory, enveloped the area, initially forcing approximately 160,000 residents to remain indoors for nearly seven hours. The incident began in the early hours of the morning when a fire broke out at CleanWater Pool, a distribution company specializing in pool maintenance products, which led to the significant release of a chlorine-based toxic cloud into the atmosphere. The municipalities affected include Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, Cubelles, Cunit, and Calafell, where residents were urgently advised by Civil Protection to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and keep windows closed to minimize exposure to the toxic air. Salvador Illa, the Generalitat President, extended his gratitude towards the community for their cooperation and adherence to safety measures during the crisis. Emergency services, comprising about 60 firefighters and specialized hazardous material personnel, were dispatched to the scene, working diligently to extinguish the flames and contain the spread of the toxic cloud. Despite the successful containment of the fire by late afternoon, the aftermath of the incident saw three municipalities imposing restrictions on vulnerable individuals, while total confinement was mandated within a 500-meter radius of the devastated warehouse. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as does the potential health impacts of the toxic cloud exposure. The incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and the effectiveness of rapid response teams in mitigating the risks associated with industrial accidents.
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