Toxic Chlorine Cloud Forces Lockdown of Over 160,000 Residents Near Barcelona

May 10, 2025

Barcelona, Spain — Over 160,000 residents across several coastal towns in Catalonia were ordered to stay indoors Saturday after a chemical fire at a warehouse in Vilanova i la Geltrú unleashed a dangerous chlorine cloud.

The incident occurred in the early hours at a facility storing pool-cleaning products. Catalonia’s emergency services acted swiftly, deploying multiple firefighting units and issuing shelter-in-place alerts across five municipalities, including Calafell and other nearby towns.

“Do not leave your home or place of work if you are in the affected zone,” the Civil Protection Service warned on social media, urging residents to seal all doors and windows against the toxic fumes.

Emergency Response and Safety Measures

No injuries or fatalities have been reported, thanks to the quick response from emergency teams. Roads and train services in the area were temporarily suspended to prevent access to the danger zone.

Authorities are closely monitoring the toxic cloud and conducting air quality assessments to ensure public safety remains intact.

Possible Cause: Lithium Battery

Jorge Viñuales Alonso, the warehouse owner, stated during an interview with local radio station Rac1 that a lithium battery may have triggered the blaze. “It is very difficult for chlorine to ignite, but when it does, it is very hard to put out,” he explained.

Containment and Recovery

Vilanova’s mayor, Juan Luis Ruiz López, told public broadcaster TVE that firefighters had successfully extinguished the blaze. “We expect the toxic cloud to dissipate soon, allowing us to lift current confinement measures,” he said.

Health services remain on alert for symptoms of chlorine exposure, such as coughing, breathing difficulties, or eye irritation.

Industrial Safety in Question

This incident has reignited debate over the safety of industrial sites located near residential zones. Experts are urging stronger safety protocols and more rigorous oversight to prevent similar chemical hazards in the future.

Although the national government has not issued a statement yet, regional officials confirmed that a full investigation into the warehouse’s compliance with safety regulations is underway.