Firefighters tackle a large poisonous train fire

A freight train with the very toxic chemical benzene is derailed in the Czech Republic, which causes a huge fire.

Different tankers and a locomotive were on fire, with firefighters from different regions and a mobile chemical laboratory that was used in the area according to the local media. A huge cloud of dense black smoke was visible for several kilometers.

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

Benzene, a carcinogenic substance for people, is an element present in aircraft fuel.

The train “split apart” and then derailed, according to the first reports. A nearby electric substation also caught fire and killed power to the nearby city of Hustopeče.

Flames up to 20 m high were visible when the fire broke out, an eyewitness told the Lidove Noviny newspaper.

Dramatic drone images from the scene, released by the Czech fire brigade, shows several poorly charred and destroyed tankers – some still burn while thick black smoke speaks in the air.

Firefighters used heavy foam to prevent the fire from spreading further, while other tankers were rinsed to prevent more explosions.

A helicopter was also used, as well as a special mobile laboratory for chemical monitoring. It took a few hours to control the fire, officials said.

The fire met around 15 of the 17 benzene tanks that the train had transported, a spokesperson for the fire brigade told local media.

“The substance must be the same in all tankers, the quantity will be specified, but it is about 60 tons in one tanker. This does not mean that everything will burn or leak,” said Lucie Balážová.

The local population has been told to stay inside and not to open windows or doors. Officials say that the air quality “according to the Czech news website Idnes” has not yet surpassed “.

The police say they will investigate the cause of the derailment.

Benzene is a colorless or light yellow liquid with a sweet scent 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 due to breathing or intake can cause symptoms such as sleepiness, dizziness, vibrations, vomiting or insomnia.

Very high levels of exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death, According to the CDC. Long -term exposure of one year or more can cause problems with blood, bone marrow or the immune system.