A devastating explosion at a plastics factory in Ibi, near Alicante in southeastern Spain, left three people dead and seven others injured on Wednesday, emergency services reported.
The blast, caused by a boiler explosion, sent shockwaves through the industrial estate, damaging both the factory and a neighboring company, according to Alberto Martin, director general of Valencia’s emergency services. Among the fatalities was an employee of the adjacent firm, while three of the injured remain in serious condition.
Emergency services confirmed the casualty count in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). The explosion caused significant structural damage, partially collapsing the factory. Firefighters, paramedics, and forensic teams worked at the scene, where rescuers recovered a body covered by a white sheet amid piles of debris.
Images from the site showed warped metal walls and heaps of rubble, including plastics and wooden pallets, spilling out of the damaged building.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences to the victims and their families while commending the efforts of emergency responders during an address to parliament.
In response, the Ibi town council declared three days of mourning to honor those affected by the tragedy.
The factory, operated by Industrias Climber, specializes in producing expanded polystyrene, a foam material widely used in packaging.
