Spanish Chemical Plant Fire Locks Down 160,000 Near Barcelona

A chemical factory fire in the beachfront town of Vilanova i la Geltru near Barcelona has led Spanish authorities to order around 160,000 residents and tourists to stay indoors due to a toxic chlorine cloud released into the air. The fire, which started early morning at a plant storing 70 tons of swimming pool chlorine, triggered an emergency lockdown across multiple nearby towns, including Cubelles, Les Roquetes de Sant Pere de Ribes, Cunit, and Calafell. Authorities issued warnings via mobile alerts urging people not to leave their homes or travel to affected areas, resulting in the cancellation of events such as the Vida BBQ, a pre-festival for the Vida Festival. Emergency services have brought the fire under control, but officials, including the Catalan president and local mayor, emphasized that lockdown measures would remain until the risk to public health is eliminated. No injuries have been reported, though one person suffered a panic attack. This incident has caused significant disruption, including halted train services, blocked roads, and cancelled local events, creating concern among tourists, especially the many British and Irish visitors in the region.