Huge explosion near airport injures 15 and grounds flights

A significant explosion in an industrial park adjacent to Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, disrupted flight operations and resulted in injuries to at least 15 individuals. The incident, which occurred on Friday night, triggered a massive fire and subsequent flight delays and cancellations at the airport. The explosion's impact extended beyond the immediate vicinity, with reports of buildings within a three-mile radius experiencing damage, including broken windows and collapsed ceilings.

Local authorities, led by Ezeiza Mayor Gaston Granados, are investigating the cause of the explosion, which originated in a plant handling chemicals and plastics. Firefighters faced considerable challenges in controlling the blaze, described by local fire chief Fabian Garcia as a “complex fire” that required an extensive and prolonged effort to extinguish. The intensity of the explosion and the resulting fire led to the temporary grounding of flights at Ministro Pistarini International Airport, causing inconvenience for passengers and disruptions to airline schedules.

The incident highlights the potential risks associated with industrial activities near critical infrastructure such as airports. The Argentinian authorities will likely review safety protocols and zoning regulations to mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future. The disruption to flight operations at Ministro Pistarini International Airport underscores the vulnerability of air travel to unforeseen events and the importance of robust emergency response plans. The airport has resumed normal operations after the fire was contained.