Chemical Factory Explosion in Spain Injures More Than 30

30 or more people were injured during a fire and several explosions at a facility that handles hazardous waste and solvent treatment and recovery in Argando del Ray, Spain on Thursday, numerous news organizations reported.

The incident at the Requimsa facility broke windows and caused damages to neighboring buildings, and sent a thick plume of smoke into the air, the Associated Press reported, citing information from local officials.

“It’s a miracle there were no fatalities,” Samuel Vidillo, a 21-year-old man who resides near the site of the incident, told the AP, noting that the blast broke his home’s windows and doors.

A report by the UK’s Express said the chemical factory is thought to be used for the management of hazardous waste and solvent treatment and recovery. Officials said that a concern exists that noxious chemicals from the solvent explosions could be spreading to the surrounding area, the paper said.

Madrid’s regional government ordered an evacuation of schools and workplaces within a 500m radius of the site, though air quality tests in the area have been normal thus far, the AP’s report said.

The cause of the incident is unclear.

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