Efforts to clear benzene spill continue in Hustopeče nad Bečvou

So far, 1,500 firefighters have taken turns at the scene in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, in the Olomouc Region, where a freight train carrying benzene, a highly flammable and extremely toxic liquid, derailed and caught fire on February 28.

Currently, 75 firefighters from 15 units remain on-site, continuing to dismantle the track. The site is being prepared for the removal of the contaminated track superstructure. However, heavy rain over the past two days has made their work more difficult, particularly when moving heavy equipment.

Firefighters' spokeswoman Lucie Balážová has warned that the rain could accelerate the seepage of benzene into the groundwater, raising concerns about the environmental impact.