BRAZIL – Nine Killed in Massive Explosion at Brazilian Explosives Factory

Residents across several towns in southern Brazil were jolted awake early Tuesday by a powerful explosion that destroyed part of an explosives manufacturing facility near Curitiba, the capital of Paraná state. The blast, which occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. (0900 GMT), sent a shockwave that shattered windows and damaged buildings within a 1.5-kilometer radius.

Images from the Paraná fire department revealed large sections of the factory reduced to rubble. “The impact was devastating,” said fire department spokesperson Luisiana Guimarães.

Authorities confirmed that nine people — six men and three women — were inside the facility at the time of the incident. “There is no longer any hope of finding survivors among them,” stated Colonel Hudson, Paraná’s public security secretary.

Rescue teams, aided by search dogs, worked through the wreckage, while seven other people injured in the explosion were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Enaex Brasil, the company operating the plant, announced that the cause of the explosion is under investigation. The firm has offered psychological assistance to victims and their families.

Officials said the force of the blast was so strong it was heard in multiple neighboring towns.

Photo credit: Paraná fire department. All rights reserved.