Explosion at Chemical Plant Near Spain’s Seville Leads to Warnings for Thousands

A picture taken in Seville on May 14, 2025 shows a large black cloud after a fire in a chemical distribution building that led authorities to ask nearly 80,000 residents to stay home. (AFP)
A picture taken in Seville on May 14, 2025 shows a large black cloud after a fire in a chemical distribution building that led authorities to ask nearly 80,000 residents to stay home. (AFP)
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Explosion at Chemical Plant Near Spain’s Seville Leads to Warnings for Thousands

A picture taken in Seville on May 14, 2025 shows a large black cloud after a fire in a chemical distribution building that led authorities to ask nearly 80,000 residents to stay home. (AFP)
A picture taken in Seville on May 14, 2025 shows a large black cloud after a fire in a chemical distribution building that led authorities to ask nearly 80,000 residents to stay home. (AFP)

An explosion at a chemical plant near the Spanish city of Seville sent up a huge pillar of smoke as authorities urged nearby residents to stay indoors, but no injuries were reported, emergency services said Wednesday.

Officials sent messages to around 80,000 residents recommending that they wear face masks or close their windows.

The explosion occurred midday in an industrial park in the municipality of Alcalá de Guadaíra, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of Seville’s city center.

Emergency services cleared personnel from the plant site.

Authorities have not said what chemicals are at the plant or who owns it.

Recent incidents Spain's industrial, electric and transport infrastructure has faced issues recently.

Over the weekend, a fire at a chemical factory in northeastern Spain forced emergency services to issue health warnings to 150,000 residents and stay-indoors orders for five nearby towns.

On April 28, a massive power outage hit Spain and Portugal. Authorities are still investigating but have ruled out a cyber attack or sabotage.

That was followed by major train disruption between Madrid and Seville, caused by thieves who took copper cabling from a trail line.



Italy’s Meloni Urges Netanyahu to Respect International Law in Gaza

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends the Italy-Greece summit at Villa Pamphili in Rome, Italy, 12 May 2025. (EPA)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends the Italy-Greece summit at Villa Pamphili in Rome, Italy, 12 May 2025. (EPA)
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Italy’s Meloni Urges Netanyahu to Respect International Law in Gaza

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends the Italy-Greece summit at Villa Pamphili in Rome, Italy, 12 May 2025. (EPA)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends the Italy-Greece summit at Villa Pamphili in Rome, Italy, 12 May 2025. (EPA)

Israel must respect international law in its military operation in Gaza, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave increasingly "dramatic and unjustifiable".

Israel invaded Gaza after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, and has recently announced plans for an expanded offensive to defeat Hamas.

"Over the past months I have spoken with Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu on several occasions, and the conversations have often been difficult," Meloni told a question time session in the Italian lower house of parliament.

More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to local health authorities. The military campaign has left Gaza on the brink of famine, aid groups and international agencies say.

"I have always recalled the urgency of finding a way to end the hostilities and respect international law and international humanitarian law. A request that I renew today," Meloni said.

Israeli strikes intensified this week, killing dozens in northern Gaza, locals have said.

French President Emmanuel Macron this week also criticized Netanyahu's policy in Gaza, calling it shameful. The Israeli leader struck back accusing Macron of siding with Hamas.

Meloni's government has been one of Israel's most vocal supporters within Europe, but there has been growing unease within parts of her coalition over Israel's relentless and long-running military campaign.

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