"Like in the movies about the apocalypse!" — a train carrying benzene exploded in the Czech Republic

A major train accident occurred in Czech Moravia, about 50 km from the border with Poland. The footage of the fire resembles films about the apocalypse.

A freight train carrying benzene is on fire at this moment. The incident occurred near the village of Gustopeche nad Bechvoi in the district of Psherov, about 50 km from the border with Poland. The train derailed, and a leak of benzene, a flammable and toxic liquid, began from the damaged tank. Due to the leakage of the substance, "at least five train cars caught fire." Firefighters have declared a special level of fire danger.

The representative of the fire department Lucy Balazhova said that firefighters from three regions are working at the scene. A chemical laboratory is also being sent to the site. Work is also being organized to extinguish fires from the air.

The governor of the region reports that no one was injured in the incident.

Eyewitnesses of the disaster report that the fire was accompanied by flames up to 20 meters high, as well as thick black smoke. Firefighters inform residents of the region about the need not to open windows (the railway station is located about 500 meters from the residential area.

Benzene is a transparent harmful liquid that is formed during carbonation of coal. It consists of benzene, toluene, xylenes and other compounds. Previously, it was used as a component of fuel mixtures for internal combustion engines.