- Civil Protection has activated an alert through mobile phones around five in the morning
- Stop the trains between Sitges and Sant Vicenç de Calders due to the toxic cloud in Vilanova I the Geltrú
- The market and sea markets close. They suspend the street market on Saturday morning
- cut access to Vilanova on the C-15 highway
- In the burning ship there were 70 tons of chlorine
A fire in a company with chemicals in Vilanova I Geltrú has generated a cloud of chlorine that has spread over the city this Saturday, May 10, at dawn. Civil Protection has activated an alert through five in the morning through mobile phones, in which the population is urged to confine their homes. The measure affects the municipalities of Vilanova I La Geltrú, Cubelles, Roquetes, Sant Pere de Ribes, Cunit and Calafell. The authorities recommend not going abroad and maintaining closed doors and windows.
The incident occurred this morning on Saturday in a ship of the Cleanwaterpool company located in a polygon near the road of variant C-31 and the Europe Round, specifically in Rambla Països Catalans, 18. In the ship there were 70 tons of chlorine. Chlorine is a very toxic and difficult component to stop.
As reported by the Firefighters of the Generalitat, “the fire is confined in a ship of pools and we work with the aim of avoiding propagation in adjacent ships. They are not injured ». 25 units have been mobilized.
Alert through mobile phones
The alert of Civil Protection – CECAT DICE: «COMPANY IN COMPANY CONCTOS CHEMICOS DE VILANOVA I LA GELTRÚ. The Confinamiento de Vilanova i la Geltrú, of Cubelles, of the nucleus of Roquetes de Sant Pere de Ribes, Cunit and Calafell is fired. Cerrad Puertas y Ventanas ».
Through social networks, the City of Vilanova I the Geltrú has also reported the confinement of the population throughout the city, due to the cloud of chlorine created by the fire.
In addition, the circulation has been cut in the C-15 and the C-31 at the height of Vilanova I the Geltrú through the fire. Civil protection asks to avoid displacements to the area and follow the indications of the authorities.
See news updates below ↓↓ didn’t
News update
6:30 am: The toxic cloud is still active
As can be seen in this photo taken at 6:30 a.m., the fire that affects the ship is still active, as well as the toxic cloud of chlorine.
7:00 am: trains do not stop between Sitges and Sant Livanç de Calders
Rodalies de Catalunya informs that “as a consequence of a chemical escape, trains do not make a stop between Sitges and Sant Vicenç de Calders.”
7:15 am: suspended the street market and close the markets
The town hall of Vilanova I the Geltrú informs that “the PLANEQCAT continues in an emergency phase by a cloud of chlorine and the fire of a company of the city.” It is also informed of suspended activities until further notice:
❌ Market of the center and sea market, closed to the public
❌ Sabbath Market of the Center market, suspended
7:15 am: The wind continues to drive the toxic cloud
The toxic cloud is still active and the wind continues to drive the gas from the Europe round in the direction of the sea.
-7.30 AM: Neighbors report from discomfort at 112
The 112 emergency telephone has received 211 calls related to the fire of Vilanova I La Geltrú. Most for asking for information and some to report discomfort. “We remember that it is necessary to call only in case of real emergency to avoid collapsing the line,” said said service.
7:35 am, how will I know when confinement is over?
Activities suspended in Vilanova I La Geltrú this Saturday, May 10:
❌ Outdoor sports activities
❌ Youth Activities
❌ Libraries and closed sports facilities
❌ Cleaning and collection services canceled
7:55 am: Cut access to Vilanova on the C-15 highway
Traffic reports that following the fire of a ship in Vilanova I the Geltrú, access by the C-15 highway to this municipality is cut. Subsequently, access has been open again.
8: 25 am: the fire begins to stabilize
Firefighters report that the fire “is in the stabilization phase and we have stopped the propagation in the neighboring ships.”
On the other hand, the smoke column generated by the fire is monitored to follow its evolution and toxicity levels.
9:05 am: Civil Protection informs that confinement is maintained
Joan Ramon Cabello, Civil Protection spokesman, in statements to the RAC1 station at 9:05 am, explained that the alert is still valid and that at the moment there is no forecast to expand or reduce the confinement zone.
On the other hand, firefighters have reported that extinction tasks are working, but that the fire is not extinguished yet, so it is necessary to maintain confinement.
The Mossos d’Esquadra allow the circulation on the C-31 highway and on the C-15 highway, but only from extreme to extreme, without allowing to stop in Vilanova I the Geltrú.
9:30 AM: Cortada The circulation of braids between Sitges and Sant Vicenç de Calders
Speaking to RAC1, the spokesman for Rodalies de Catalunya, Antonio Carmona, has reported that the trains circulation is cut between Sitges and Sant Vicenç de Calders. The trains that arrive from Barcelona stop in Sitges. Rodalies is working to offer alternative bus services.
