Czech Republic: Firefighters tackle large toxic train fire

A train transporting benzene, a carcinogen, derailed and caught fire on Friday, prompting a large emergency response.

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Several tankers and a locomotive were ablaze, with firefighters from several regions and a mobile chemical laboratory deployed to the area, according to local media. A massive cloud of dense black smoke was visible for several kilometres.

Railway officials say nobody was injured in the incident, which occurred near Hustopeče nad Bečvou, 50km (31 miles) south-west of the Polish border, on Friday.

Benzene, which is a cancer-causing substance for humans, is an element present in aircraft fuel.

The train "split apart" and subsequently derailed, according to initial reports. A nearby electric substation also caught fire, killing power to the nearby town of Hustopeče.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce982zpz1k3o

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