Czech town in lockdown as toxic benzene fire erupts, flames soar 20 meters

A terrifying fire broke out in the Czech town of Hustopeče nad Bečvou, located in the northeast of the country, as a train carrying tank cars filled with toxic benzene went up in flames. 

The blaze, which has already consumed at least five tank cars, has caused the flames to soar as high as 20 meters, creating a dramatic and hazardous scene, Caliber.Az reports via Czech media.

Firefighters, equipped with specialized gear, rushed to the scene to battle the inferno, and fire aviation units were also deployed to assist in controlling the massive flames.

As a precaution, the entire town of Hustopeče nad Bečvou has been left without electricity, and authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid ventilating their homes to prevent the inhalation of harmful fumes from the burning benzene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local police. The situation continues to develop, with authorities closely monitoring the dangerous incident.

By Tamilla Hasanova