The benzene spill in the Czech Republic is called the largest such accident in the world

The benzene spill in the city of Gustopeche nad Bechvou is the largest such accident in the world. This was stated by the Minister of Environmental Protection of the republic Peter Gladik.

"The concentration of benzene in the area is huge. There has never been such a large—scale accident with benzene in the whole world," he said.

In this regard, the Ministry of Environmental Protection recommends declaring a state of emergency in the area contaminated with a toxic substance, which will make it possible to ensure the most efficient cleaning of the territory. According to the minister, tens of millions of dollars will have to be spent on eliminating the consequences of the accident, and the work on cleaning the area from benzene will last for years.

Recall, on February 28, a freight train carrying benzene derailed and caught fire at the Gustopeche nad Bechvou railway station in the north-east of the Czech Republic. As a result, the tanks with benzene overturned, which led to the leakage of a toxic substance and the subsequent fire. The amount of damage is about $ 5.5 million. The environmental damage from the accident can amount to tens of millions of dollars. In addition, it is known about the threat of penetration of a toxic substance into the waters of the Bechva River.