Headline: Toxic Chlorine Cloud Forces Lockdowns in Six Catalan Towns After Industrial Blaze
A toxic cloud of chlorine gas swept across parts of north-eastern Spain early Saturday morning, prompting a temporary lockdown across six towns in Catalonia after a fire broke out at a chemical warehouse in the coastal town of Vilanova i la Geltr&uacute;.
The incident unfolded around 2:20am local time when a blaze erupted at the Clim Waterpool facility, a company that manufactures and stores cleaning products for swimming pools. The warehouse, situated at 18 Rambla dels Pa&iuml;sos Catalans, was holding an estimated 70 tonnes of chlorinean extremely hazardous chemical when ignited. The resulting combustion released a dense, yellowish cloud of toxic gas, triggering emergency protocols across the region.
Civil Protection authorities immediately activated the PLASEQCAT, Catalonias chemical risk plan, and disseminated emergency alerts through mobile notifications and social media, urging residents in the affected areas to remain indoors. Residents were instructed to shut all doors and windows, disable ventilation systems, and avoid going outside until further notice.
Approximately 160,000 people across six municipalitiesVilanova i la Geltr&uacute;, Sant Pere de Ribes, Cubelles (all in the province of Barcelona), as well as Cunit, Calafell, and central Roquetes (in Tarragona)were affected by the containment measures.
By Saturday afternoon, regional authorities announced the lifting of the lockdown, although they maintained advisories for vulnerable individuals, such as those with respiratory issues, to continue sheltering indoors as a precaution. Emergency services remained on alert throughout the day, closely monitoring air quality and the direction of the wind to assess any further risks of exposure or need for renewed lockdowns.
Firefighters battled the flames for hours and worked to cool surrounding tanks to prevent further escalation. Initial investigations suggest the fire may have originated from a lithium battery, according to the warehouse owner. Despite the chemical volatility, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
As of Sunday, environmental teams are continuing to survey the area for residual contamination, with mobile air quality units deployed in surrounding towns. Local officials have called for a review of safety protocols at chemical storage facilities in the region, raising questions over regulatory oversight in industrial zones close to residential areas.
The incident has reignited concerns over emergency preparedness and industrial safety, especially in densely populated zones where hazardous substances are stored. While the immediate danger has passed, authorities have warned that similar events could occur again without stricter preventive measures.
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Toxic cloud over six Catalan towns in Spain

Fire at chemical warehouse forces 160,000 indoors across six towns in north-eastern Spain

Toxic Chlorine Cloud Triggers Catalonia Lockdowns

Fire at chemical warehouse forces 160,000 indoors across six towns in north-eastern Spain

May 12, 2025 | 12:17 IST