A powerful explosion struck an industrial zone on the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Friday, sending shockwaves across the city of Ezeiza and triggering a sprawling fire that authorities struggled to contain for hours. Local officials reported that at least 22 people were injured as thick smoke and flames consumed multiple factories in the area, raising concerns about long-term environmental and operational impact on surrounding communities. The incident prompted a major emergency response, with firefighters, medical teams, and civil defence units deployed across the affected district.
Ezeiza mayor Gaston Granados confirmed that several consecutive blasts were heard shortly before large fires erupted across the industrial complex. He said authorities were battling intense flames and working continuously to control the situation, although the scale of the disaster made rapid containment difficult. Granados noted that the immediate cause of the explosion remained unknown and would be the subject of a detailed investigation once the fires were fully extinguished. Emergency teams also reported challenges in accessing certain sites due to ongoing structural risks.
Videos shared by residents on social media showed vast plumes of dark smoke rising into the sky and flames towering above factory buildings, underscoring the severity of the event. Early assessments suggested that five factories had been affected by the explosions and the resulting blaze. These facilities manufacture a range of products including tyres, plastics, and chemical materials, creating additional concerns about hazardous emissions and the possibility of further ignition within warehouses storing flammable goods.
Fabian Garcia, civil defence director for Buenos Aires province, described the situation as highly complex, predicting that the fire would take considerable time to fully extinguish due to the nature of the materials burning. Firefighters from multiple districts were called in to assist, with teams rotating throughout the day to manage fatigue and ensure a continuous response. As the fire spread through interconnected structures, authorities focused on preventing further explosions and protecting nearby residential areas.
The heavy smoke drifting across the region created significant visibility issues, forcing disruptions at Ministro Pistarini International Airport, the country’s primary international gateway. Several flights were delayed or diverted as a safety precaution due to reduced visibility and concerns about the proximity of the industrial fire. Airport officials coordinated with emergency services to monitor wind patterns and smoke density throughout the day.
Local medical services reported that most of the 22 injured individuals suffered minor to moderate burns or wounds caused by shattering glass during the initial explosion. All were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, and officials confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening. Fire crews continued working late into the night as they sought to cool hot spots and prevent further structural collapses within the affected factories.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid the area and keep windows closed as a precaution while officials assess air quality. Investigators are expected to begin examining the site once it is deemed safe, aiming to determine the cause of the explosion and evaluate the extent of damage across the industrial zone. The incident has raised concerns about safety compliance and emergency preparedness within one of Argentina’s key manufacturing hubs.
