Explosion at sugar factory kills five in Argentina

Five people were killed and several injured in an explosion and subsequent fire at a sugar factory in Jujuy province in northwestern Argentina, Report informs citing the RIA Novosti.

The incident occurred yesterday at the sugar factory La Esperanza, located in the city of San Pedro de Jujuy.

Minister of Production and Economic Development of province Juan Carlos Abud Robles told the publication that the fire began following the explosion of a huge tank of alcohol. The situation was complicated by the fact that the flames quickly spread to the room, where bagasse (cake) obtained from sugar cane was stored - a flammable product. According to witnesses, during the fire, the flames rose to a height of 10 meters, and strong explosions were heard. Residents of houses near the plant were evacuated.

"We still don't know how it all started. At present, eight fire brigades are on the scene, the fire was brought under control, " the Minister said.

All victims were reportedly hospitalized. By some reports, there are about 10 people.