Massive fire engulfs Warsaw car showroom and workshop
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A large fire erupted early Thursday morning in Warsaw, Poland, engulfing a car showroom and workshop.
- Thick black smoke billowed over the city, visible from afar, and explosions were reported from inside the burning buildings.
- Over 38 fire units responded to the blaze, which has not yet been localized, and residents were warned to stay away due to toxic fumes.
A massive fire tore through a car showroom and workshop in Warsaw's Targรณwek district early Thursday, sending thick plumes of black smoke high into the sky. The blaze, which began shortly after 5 a.m. on Krasnobrodzka Street, quickly engulfed the extensive building, measuring 80 by 40 meters.
Residents reported hearing loud explosions from within the burning structures as flames consumed the premises. Several cars inside the showroom and some parked outside were destroyed. The smoke column was visible across large parts of the city, including from the S8 highway and central Warsaw.
Authorities dispatched a significant response, with 38 fire units battling the inferno. A specialized chemical rescue team, aerial platforms, and reconnaissance drones were deployed. Firefighters have not yet managed to contain the fire. Residents were urged to avoid the area due to the potential presence of toxic substances released from burning plastics, fuel, and vehicles.
No casualties have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by experts and emergency services. Police secured the area and directed traffic, while the nearby S8 highway remained open.
Firefighting operations are ongoing for the fire at the workshop and the connected car showroom at ul. Krasnobrodzka in Warsaw.
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.