Firefighters address a great fire on the toxic train

A cargo train that transports highly toxic chemical benzene has been derailed in the Czech Republic, causing a great fire.

According to local media, several oil tankers and a locomotive were on fire, with firefighters from several regions and a mobile chemical laboratory deployed in the area. A huge black smoke cloud was visible for several kilometers.

Railway officials say that no one was injured in the incident, which occurred near Hustopeče Nad Bečvou, 50 km (31 miles) southwest of the Polish border, Friday.

Benzene, which is a substance that causes cancer for humans, is an element present in the fuel of the aircraft.

The train “divided” and subsequently derails, according to initial reports. A nearby electric substation also caught fire, killing power to the nearby city of Hustopeče.

The flames up to 20 m high were visible when the fire exploded, an eyewitness told the newspaper Lidove Noviny.

The dramatic images of drones of the scene, launched by the Czech firefighters service, show several poor carbonized and destroyed oil tankers, some still burning while the thick black smoke throws the sky.

Firefighters used a heavy foam to prevent fire from spreading even more, while other oil tankers were meditated to avoid more explosions.

A helicopter was also implemented, as well as a special chemical monitoring laboratory. He took several hours to control the fire, authorities said.

The fire affected around 15 of the 17 benzene tanks that the train had been transporting, said a fire department spokesman to local media.

“The substance must be the same in all oil tankers, the amount will be specified, but approximately 60 tons in an oil company are. However, this does not mean that everything will burn or filter,” said Lucie Balážová.

The locals have been told to remain inside and do not open windows or doors. Authorities say that air quality “has not yet exceeded” any pollution limit, according to the ideal Chech news website.

Police say they will investigate the cause of derailment.

Benzene is a colorless or light yellow liquid with a sweet smell that can evaporate very quickly. It is used in common substances such as plastic, resin, nylon and some forms of dyes, pesticides or detergents. It is very flammable.

Exposure to benzene through breathing or ingestion can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, vomiting or insomnia.

Very high levels of exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death, According to the centers for disease control and prevention. The long -term exposure of one year or more could cause problems with blood, bone marrow or immune system.