Explosion at chemical plant causes toxic cloud in Barcelona of Spain

An explosion in a chemical plant in Barcelona on Thursday has caused a toxic orange cloud that forced people to stay indoors for several hours.

Local media reported that the explosion took place at around 09: 45 local time (0845 GTM) in a chemical company called Simar in the polygon of Les Comes, in the city of Igualada, 70 km northwest of the northeastern city of Barcelona.

Eight people were reportedly injured, three workers from the company were admitted to hospital and three firemen and two citizens were helped at the scene.

Meanwhile, residents from six city councils, including workers and children who were at schools, with around 65,000 people in total, had to remained indoors with doors and windows closed due to the thick orange cloud that covered the area.

Two hours later the order was lifted, but remained in effect for people with respiratory problems, pregnant women and children.

As a consequence, authorities shut down many roads and the railway service near Igualada, while water systems are now being checked for any sign of contamination.

According to the government of Catalonia, the accident has been caused by two chemicals, one of them nitric acid, which accidentally mixed while on their way during delivery, which caused an explosion and a massive toxic cloud.

Ramon Espadaler of Catalan Interior Ministry said that "unfortunately there is not much wind in the area so the toxic cloud is taking longer to disperse". Enditem