A massive explosion tore through the Spegazzini Industrial Park in Ezeiza, Argentina, sending a powerful shockwave across nearby neighborhoods and igniting large fires. Dramatic videos shared on social media captured towering flames and the moment the shockwave hit, shaking buildings across Ezeiza and Cañuelas.
Some residents told local media they saw an object fall from the sky just seconds before the explosion, though officials have not confirmed this.
At Least 22 People Injured
According to Carlos Santoro, director of the hospital treating victims, the number of injured “so far stands at 22,” adding that none were in life-threatening condition.
Flames rapidly spread through several buildings inside the industrial park, prompting emergency evacuations and a large-scale response from local fire crews.
Factories Burn as Cause Remains Unclear
Ezeiza Mayor Gastón Granados said the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown.
He explained: “The flames affected several plants in the industrial park. One of them is a chemical plant, where the warehouses caught fire, and where there are facilities related to agriculture and fertilizers. There is also a plastics plant called Plásticos Lago.”
Granados described the unfolding situation as chaotic, telling TN: “It’s all very confusing. We’re trying to ensure safety in the area and evacuate anyone who might be nearby. Fire crews are working to combat the intense fire that’s burning in all areas.”
Speculation About a Plane Not Confirmed
Early rumors suggested a small plane may have crashed, but officials have not verified this.
Granados said they “can neither confirm nor deny that a plane crashed” until firefighters bring the blaze under control.
A total of 15 fire crews responded to the emergency.
Shockwave Shatters Windows Across Neighborhoods
Homes closest to the industrial park suffered major damage.
Granados said: “The windows of my house and the neighborhood were shattered. We are evacuating the families who live nearby.”
Factories Report Heavy Damage
The owner of Sinteplast, a factory inside the industrial park, said initial reports wrongly named his facility as the source of the fire. He clarified the extent of the damage:
“The explosion destroyed everything, gates, ceilings, some structures, and fire pipes were blown off. Fire brigades are on the scene. It was a terrible explosion. It didn’t reach our factory, but the shockwave shook everything.”
Investigation Continues
As of now, there is no official information on fatalities, and emergency teams are still assessing the damage while working to contain the fire.
