Warning issued to Irish tourists as toxic cloud forces 160,000 people to stay indoors in Spain
A fire at an industrial property near Barcelona released a toxic cloud of chlorine over a vast area, causing major concern for public health
Irish tourists near Barcelona are on high alert as Spanish authorities ordered over 160,000 people near the city to remain indoors early on Saturday morning following a fire at an industrial property which released a toxic cloud of chlorine over a vast area.
The building which went up in flames was storing pool cleaning products and that is why the cloud of chlorine was released after the fire, according to the regional fire service.
The property was located south of Barcelona in the coastal city of Vilanova i la Geltru. Roads and train stations in the surrounding areas have been closed in order to prevent people approaching the affected area.
The Civil Protection Service have asked people in the affected area to not leave their home or place of work.
They have also advised people to keep their windows and doors closed in the at-risk areas. The at-risk areas include Vilanova i la Geltru, Calafell, and areas near Tarragona.
No casualties have been reported from the incident so far. Units are still being deployed to handle the situation.