Hustopeče nad Bečvou, Czech Republic – A freight train carrying highly toxic benzene derailed near Hustopeče nad Bečvou, approximately 50 kilometers southwest of the Polish border, on Friday, resulting in a significant fire and a large plume of black smoke visible for several kilometers.

The incident involved multiple tanker cars and a locomotive, all engulfed in flames. Firefighters from numerous regions, along with a mobile chemical laboratory, were dispatched to the scene. Initial reports indicate that no injuries were sustained.

The train reportedly "split apart" before derailing, subsequently igniting a fire that also spread to a nearby electric substation, causing a power outage in Hustopeče. Eyewitnesses reported flames reaching up to 20 meters high.

Drone footage released by the Czech Fire Service depicted the severity of the damage, showing charred and destroyed tanker cars with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters deployed heavy foam to suppress the blaze and prevent further spread, while other tankers were cooled with water to mitigate the risk of additional explosions. A helicopter and a specialized chemical monitoring mobile lab were also utilized in the response. It took several hours for firefighters to bring the fire under control.

Approximately 15 of the 17 benzene tankers on the train were affected by the fire. "The substance should be the same in all tankers, the amount will be specified, but it is approximately 60 tonnes in one tanker. However, this does not mean that everything will burn out or leak," stated Lucie Balážová, a fire department spokesperson.

The Fire Service estimated the total damage caused by the fire at 125 million Czech koruna (£4.1m).

Local authorities advised residents to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure. While officials stated that air quality had not yet exceeded pollution limits according to Czech news website iDNES, ongoing monitoring continued.

Police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the derailment. Benzene, a colorless or light-yellow liquid with a sweet odor, is a known carcinogen and is highly flammable. It is used in the production of various materials, including plastics, resins, nylon, dyes, pesticides, and detergents.

Exposure to benzene can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, vomiting, and sleeplessness. High levels of exposure can cause unconsciousness or death, and long-term exposure can result in severe health issues affecting the blood, bone marrow, and immune system, according to the CDC.