In the early hours of December 21, Authorities reported a serious fire in the city of Barranquilla. The incident occurred at a hydrocarbon company, specifically in the port of Compás.
Everything points to the explosion of one of the storage tanks. According to several users on social networks, nine machines from the Barranquilla Fire Department were responding to the fire.
Many people, including two firefighters who were injured as a result of the explosion of one of the fuel tanks, were taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities reported that Sergeant Javier Enrique Solano, one of the uniformed policemen affected by the incident, died in the hospital.
(Additional: Video: Moving scenes of firefighter death in Barranquilla fire)
As can be seen from the videos posted on social networks, the flames that started around four o’clock in the morning reached a large size and were pushed in the area near the Magdalena River with the effect of the wind, making it difficult for the firefighters.
Currently, there are reports of problems with the supply of the Via 40 sector near the Compas dock, which is worth clarifying, this is mostly industrial, not residential.
At around 06:44 in the morning, 9 machinery, 30 firefighters and army personnel were present in the sector to respond to the fire that affected the region and still continues. According to the authorities, it is not expected to be finished yet due to the presence of flammable materials in some companies in the sector.
Currently, emergency teams are conducting cooling works in nearby sectors to prevent the spread of flames.
EL TIEMPO went to the emergency site, where authorities confirmed that fuel combustion could only be allowed to continue, as the epicenter of the fire was at Bravo Petroleum company, which is located on Via 40 and is performing more complex emergency maintenance.
(In context: Video: This is how the second fuel tank burns in the fire in Barranquilla)
Likewise, around 7:39 am, heRegional authorities have confirmed the suspension of naval operations on the Magdalena River. because this water channel is used to deal with the emergency.
Around 8:47 am, firefighters and emergency teams such as the Red Cross continue to be present in the sector where the presence of flames and a large pillar of fire continue.
Even the authorities in the region do not exclude that it will take about a full day to bring the fire under control. Therefore, the Minister of Government, Jennifer Villareal, in a conversation with Blu Radio, told the 85th of Las Flores sector for the safety of the civilian population.
Around 9:00 am, authorities in the municipality of Puerto Colombia told the industry that it was possible for them to run out of water for a few days as the tanks in the area will be used as reserves to deal with the emergency. . In addition, municipal water inlets are very close to the sectors affected by the fire.
Triple A, Atlántico’s capital’s sewer company, confirmed that around 10:00 am, the Magdalena River was affected by fuel spilling from the epicenter of the fire. The extent of the contamination has not been confirmed.
Around 10:19 p.m., the mayor of Barranquilla, Jaime Pumarejo, He asked residents of the area near the fire to leave their homes if possible. Likewise, the head of the Atlantic capital asked people living near Bravo Petroleum to start wearing goggles and masks, as the massive plume of smoke started affecting industries close to where the fire was.
Due to the unexpected situation caused by the fire that started in the early hours of the morning, the Barranquilla Traffic Department created a mobility plan to prevent the citizens from wandering on line 85 and route 40 due to its proximity to the company in that area. fire started.
At the height of the Cartón de Colombia firm, 200 meters after the Saferbo firm, the roads are closed by calle 85 and road 40 and near the sector monument known as the Window to the World.
Likewise, the deviations are arranged as follows: those departing from La Playa or Villa Campestre should take the 53rd, 46th or 38th race; In addition, the Transit portfolio says on its twitter account, “Those who go to these points can take Calle 80 or 85 and take Carrera 65 or 53.”
Around 10:40 a.m., the city’s mayor, Jaime Pumarejo, referred to the fire and explained the strategy the authorities were using to deal with the situation.
“The navy is offering containment actions from the river, firefighters are also trying to cool nearby tanks, and a foamy maneuver is being prepared that should be done in the next few hours. This gives us the opportunity to understand how long the fire might last,” he said.
(In context: These are shocking footage of the fire in Barranquilla)
Similarly, Pumarejo explained they are currently under control and allow the fire to be extinguished by burning the tank that started the fire.. Likewise, preventive evacuation will be carried out close to the sector.
It is not possible to provide further information at this time because it is a fluid situation that is constantly monitored.”
The mayor also referred to the death of Sergeant Javier Enrique Solano, who died while responding to the emergency. Pumarejo stated that the Mayor’s Office will support the firefighter’s family, who has been working in the emergency room for 25 years.
After 1:00 pm, the flames of the fire continue to roar, burning 150,000 gallons of gasoline from the company in question. For this reason, nearly five neighborhoods were left without water, gas and energy.
More than eight hours after the fire started, Barranquilla officials said it could take several days to get the fire under control, which has now consumed two tanks of fuel. Authorities currently dealing with the emergency are cooling the other two tanks to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Likewise, a 1 kilometer zone has been created around the area where the fire broke out, so the authorities do not allow people or the press to approach a shorter distance.
In addition, due to the seriousness of the situation, the companies in the region have been evacuated. There is no active labor force activity in the sector that arrives at 13:45.
At around 2:21 p.m., the roads closed due to the fire were extended, now the Vía 40 restriction begins on 80th street, so only residents of the neighborhood are allowed to access this important race from 83rd, 84th and 85th streets. sector.
Source: Exame
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
