Toxic leak in Hustopeče: groundwater contaminated after tanker accident

Benzene that leaked during a tanker accident in Hustopeče nad Bečvou in the Přerov region has contaminated groundwater. Control probes have confirmed the contamination, the Czech Environmental Inspectorate announced on Thursday. According to its director, a disaster of this scale is unprecedented in the country.

The accident occurred last Friday when a freight train carrying benzene derailed and caught fire. Firefighters have now completed the removal of the toxic chemical from the last two tankers, but extensive remediation efforts are underway.

Authorities assure that drinking water and the Bečva River remain unaffected, as confirmed by the environment and agriculture ministers after a crisis meeting in Prague. However, benzene is highly toxic and carcinogenic, raising concerns about long-term environmental consequences.