An official says firefighters in northwestern Czech Republic have been battling a blaze in a chemical factory that broke after an explosion.
Firefighter spokesman Lukas Marvan said the explosion of propylene took place in the Unipetrol plant near the city of Litvinov Thursday morning.
Marvan said firefighters managed to get the conflagration under control after about four hours. Czech public television showed a huge fire and massive clouds of black smoke.
The broadcaster said one person and four firefighters had to be treated by emergency services.
Local authorities in Litvinov said no dangerous substances have been released but have recommended people to close windows and stay inside.
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