Event in Chile on Mon 10th August 2026

A major fire at the Panimex chemical plant in Quilicura, north of Santiago, Chile, involved multiple explosions and required more than 300 firefighters to bring the incident under control. Firefighting operations continued after the main blaze was contained. Image: Panimex Química The incident began at approximately 9.36pm on 4 August 2026 at the Panimex Química facility in Quilicura. Panimex Química manufactures and markets chemical raw materials for industrial applications, including products used in the plastics industry. Firefighters deployed approximately 40 appliances to the site during the emergency response. Reports from the scene described explosions occurring as the fire developed. An initial assessment reported by local authorities indicated a possible ammonia leak. This was a preliminary finding and had not been confirmed as the cause of the incident. The main fire was brought under control at approximately 7.30am on 5 August, after more than 10 hours of firefighting. Fire crews remained at the facility to extinguish residual burning and monitor the site. A large smoke plume was reported during the incident. Health authorities issued recommendations concerning exposure to smoke, while classes in Quilicura were suspended as a precaution. The cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the explosions had not been confirmed in the available reporting.