A massive fire erupted at the YPF oil refinery in Ensenada, Argentina, near La Plata on Thursday, August 22, 2024, causing alarm among local residents and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The blaze, which started at 16:30 local time in the tank area of the Ingeniero Enrique Mosconi Industrial Complex, produced thick black smoke and large flames visible from several kilometers away.Immediate action was taken by YPF’s emergency response team, with support from firefighters from Ensenada, Berisso, and the Prefectura Naval. Over 40 firefighters, including volunteers, worked tirelessly to contain and extinguish the fire. After approximately two and a half hours of intense efforts, the fire was successfully brought under control, with no reported injuries.As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated the refinery and nearby areas, including the Faculty of Medicine. Local officials also implemented traffic diversions, closing Avenida 60 and rerouting bus lines to ensure public safety. YPF assured the public that the situation was under control and posed no immediate risk to the surrounding population.The cause of the fire was initially reported to be the rupture of a pipe carrying crude oil to the plant. YPF stated that they would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information became available. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with large-scale industrial operations and the importance of robust emergency response protocols in mitigating such crises.
Key points
- A massive fire broke out at the YPF oil refinery in Ensenada, Argentina, on August 22, 2024.
- The fire was extinguished after about two and a half hours of intense firefighting efforts.
- No injuries were reported, and the situation was brought under control without spreading to other areas.
- The incident prompted evacuations and traffic diversions in the surrounding area.
Contradictions👾While most sources reported no injuries, one source mentioned that the premises were evacuated due to the potential danger, suggesting a possible discrepancy in the initial assessment of the situation’s severity.
