Fire at Croatian packaging factory injures workers and firefighter

A significant fire erupted Tuesday afternoon at the MEC company, which manufactures and stores packaging materials in the industrial zone of Pribislavec, Croatia. Firefighting services have since brought the blaze under control, though extinguishing efforts are ongoing. The fire involved a large quantity of paints, solvents, and plastics.

According to the Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ), the response was substantial, involving 120 firefighters from 25 volunteer fire departments (DVD) and the professional fire department of Čakovec. Local media described it as one of the largest firefighting interventions in the area in recent years. The flames reportedly reached a height of approximately 25 meters, and explosions were heard.

Slavko Tucaković, the chief fire commander, described the intervention as "very difficult" but credited the "quick reaction" of both volunteer and professional firefighters for bringing the fire under control and preventing greater material damage. The company MEC produces printed flexible packaging, including films and bags for the food, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and other industries.

Emergency medical services evaluated a total of seven individuals. These included company workers and one firefighter involved in the suppression efforts. All seven experienced symptoms related to smoke inhalation, but initial reports indicate no severe injuries.