Gas explosion at Barcelona's Sants metro station injures eight, two critically

A gas explosion during accessibility works at the Plaça de Sants metro station in Barcelona on Wednesday evening injured eight workers, two critically, and sparked a towering flame that burned for over 12 hours before being extinguished.

What happened

The leak began around 14:40 when a drilling machine damaged a gas pipe Source: La Vanguardia. Emergency services secured the area but could not immediately stop the flow due to the complex urban gas network. At about 22:50, while repair crews were working, a deflagration occurred Source: Infobae. Eight workers were injured: two gravely, two moderately serious, and four with minor injuries Source: El Mundo.

The response

Firefighters opted to let the gas burn in a controlled jet, using water to cool the surroundings, rather than risk extinguishing it and creating an explosive cloud Source: ABC. Through the night, they sealed three of four leaks using inflatable plugs Source: Infobae. Early Thursday, the fourth was closed, and the flame self-extinguished Source: La Vanguardia.

Repercussions

• The deputy mayor for security, Albert Batlle, demanded accountability from the regional government and companies involved Source: La Vanguardia.