A freight train derailed, then most of the train cars caught fire, with hundreds of tons of benzene leaking from the tanks into the lake. UNN reports with reference to Euronews.
A state of emergency has been declared in the Czech Republic, in the eastern part of the Olomouc region, due to the pollution of the lake with toxic benzene. The incident is related to an accident involving a train carrying toxic benzene.
A freight train derailed near the entrance to Hustopeče station, probably due to speeding. Most of the 17 cars caught fire immediately after the accident. About 350 tons of benzene leaked into the groundwater from the tanks carrying more than 1,000 tons of benzene.
Authorities warn that the situation is deteriorating as the toxic, carcinogenic substance begins to seep into the groundwater. The Czech government speaks of "the largest pollution of its kind in the world".
A state of emergency order has been issued, giving local authorities special powers to allocate resources and immediately begin relief efforts. Work is already underway to remove benzene from the affected water bodies, the European news channel writes.
Let us remind you
An earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred in Thailand, as a result of which a multi-story building collapsed in Bangkok. In Myanmar, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 caused massive destruction.
After the powerful earthquakes that claimed more than 1,600 lives, new tremors were recorded in Myanmar.