Explosions Trigger Massive Factory Fire Near Buenos Aires, Injuring 15

A series of powerful explosions at an industrial complex near Buenos Aires sparked a massive fire that injured at least 15 people and disrupted flights due to heavy smoke. Several factories, including chemical and plastics plants, caught fire, making it difficult for firefighters to control the blaze. Hospitals activated emergency plans as authorities worked to manage the situation and protect nearby residents.

Powerful explosions erupted late Friday night at an industrial complex on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation as emergency teams scrambled to respond. The blasts triggered a massive fire that quickly spread across multiple factories within the complex, producing towering flames and dense smoke visible from far outside the immediate area. Firefighters worked through the night in difficult conditions, battling a blaze that officials described as exceptionally large and challenging to contain.

Authorities reported that at least 15 people sustained injuries as a direct result of the explosions. Many were residents living close to the industrial site who were struck by flying glass and debris when the shockwave shattered windows in nearby homes. Others suffered burns or respiratory issues from inhaling smoke. All the injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, where medical teams were placed on high alert as the situation continued to unfold.

Ezeiza Mayor Gaston Granados described the explosions and the resulting fire as enormous, emphasizing that the scale of destruction across several factories made firefighting operations extremely complicated. Despite sustained efforts, crews had not succeeded in fully controlling the blaze, and the rapid spread of smoke severely reduced visibility in the surrounding area. This thick smoke did not only affect ground operations — it also caused disruptions at Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Argentina’s main international gateway. Several incoming flights were delayed or diverted due to the hazardous visibility conditions.

Although the exact cause of the explosions remains unknown, early indications suggest that the fire may have originated in one of the five factories currently burning. Mayor Granados explained that among the affected facilities were a chemical plant, where warehouses filled with flammable materials caught fire, and a plastics manufacturing plant. These types of factories often contain substances that can intensify fires, making the emergency situation far more dangerous and complex for first responders.

To manage the crisis, a large number of fire engines, ambulances, and emergency personnel were deployed to secure the area and assist residents. The local municipality confirmed that multiple “significant explosions” continued to be recorded as the fire burned, raising further concerns about structural collapse and additional injuries.

Hospitals across Buenos Aires province activated emergency response protocols. Medical facilities coordinated their efforts to ensure adequate capacity and readiness to treat incoming patients. The Cuenca Alta Nestor Kirchner Hospital implemented its contingency plan for critical situations, preparing for the possibility of a larger-scale medical emergency if the fire escalated or more victims were identified.

Meanwhile, firefighters on the ground faced ongoing challenges as they attempted to control what authorities called a long-running and complicated fire. Fabian Garcia, the civil defense director for the province, emphasized that the incident was far from over, warning that extinguishing the blaze would likely take considerable time due to the severity and nature of the materials involved.