Blast at Spanish Chemical Plant Kills One, Injures 19

At least one person is dead and 19 injured in an explosion that severely damaged a chemical plant Tuesday in Barcelona, Spain, emergency officials report.

Firefighters continue to search for possible survivors in the wreckage of the facility.

Local press coverage quotes Barcelona Fire Department chief Antonio Cabeza as reporting that a vertical tank failed during pressure testing, producing a shock wave that devastated the surrounding area. The deceased was struck by debris from the blast, he said.

Flammable vapors from spilled chemicals continue to present a fire risk at the scene, Cabeza told the press.

Civil protection authorities have activated an emergency plan known as PLASEQCAT designed for chemical industry incidents. Cabeza said responders are still trying to determine what kind of chemicals are involved.

Debris from the blast spread across a large area of the city. A massive cloud of dust raised by the explosion was visible for miles.

Most of those injured suffered either leg injuries or breathing difficulties, Cabeza said.