Czech Train Derailment Causes Chemical Spill

On February 28, 2025, at about 12:00 noon, a freight train carrying nearly 1,000 tons of the toxic chemical benzene derailed in the Hustopěče region of the eastern Czech Republic, setting 15 tank cars on fire and spreading the highly toxic benzene along with the smoke. Benzene concentration at the scene instantly exceeded 200 times the standard, the fire department emergency helicopters and neighboring countries rescue forces to fight. Benzene, as a strong carcinogen, may cause leukemia and other diseases after long-term exposure. The benzene derivatives released after combustion may pollute the atmosphere, and if it penetrates into the soil or water source, it will lead to long-term ecological disaster; benzene takes decades to degrade in the soil, and it may irreversibly damage the agricultural and groundwater systems.