In short
A fire broke out in a plastics warehouse owned by Versalis in the industrial area of Mantua. The flames created a thick cloud of black smoke, visible for kilometers. Approximately eight hundred people were evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
ARPA Lombardia, the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection, which is responsible for prevention, control, and environmental protection, has begun air monitoring in the industrial area of Mantua.
Following the fire at the plant, the city’s mayor, Andrea Murari, issued an ordinance urging residents, “as a precaution,” to keep their windows closed and “not to stay outside.” The document was published on the city administration’s website. Similar orders were signed by the mayors of the surrounding area, such as Bagnolo San Vito, Porto Mantovano, Borgo Virgilio, and Suzzara. In some cases, children engaged in summer activities were also required to return to school buildings.
Personal Remarks
I was once told that fires linked to plastic recycling facilities sometimes have a criminal origin, allegedly to trigger insurance payouts.
EU and member states authorities should inquire on these matters properly.
Source
Mantova, brucia magazzino materiale plastico. Il sindaco: “Chiudete le finestre”
Versalis: Hoop® demo plant for chemical plastic recycling has started operating in Mantua.