January 15, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

A massive blast took place on the evening of January 14, in which the noise could be heard 50 kilometers away and the walls of neighboring buildings were shaken. The explosion happened at a chemical plant in the Spanish port city of Tarragona, located 115 kilometers southwest of Barcelona.

Authorities said the explosion was caused by highly flammable ethylene oxide originated in one of the reactors from the petrochemical company, IQOXE (Industrias Químicas del Óxido de Etileno).

IQOXE is a European leading manufacturer which works with ethylene oxide derivatives as raw materials for producing antifreeze, cosmetics, detergents, foams, and for the pharmaceutical industry and cleaning surgical instruments as well.

According to the local civil defense agency, authorities described the blast as a chemical accident. Medical officials reported one person was killed, one other missing, and at least 6 people were injured. Initially authorities had warned local residents to stay indoors so as to keep away from possible toxic substances released in the air.

In addition, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered his support in dealing with the accident.

Photo:Webshot.