A fire broke out at the Vicentín grain processing plant in Ricardone, Santa Fe, prompting the total evacuation of all personnel [2].
The incident occurred within the Gran Rosario industrial corridor, a critical hub for agricultural exports. The presence of flammable and toxic materials at the site increased the risk of explosions and environmental contamination [1, 4].
Emergency responders said the fire started before midnight on Tuesday, May 12, 2024 [1]. Firefighters worked for more than three hours to combat the blaze [5]. Authorities said they brought the situation under control at approximately 01:30 [5].
To ensure public safety and facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles, officials ordered the preventive closure of Route A012 [1]. The plant is located in the Department of San Lorenzo, where the industrial scale of the facility required a significant mobilization of local firefighting resources [3].
Despite the magnitude of the fire and the hazardous nature of the materials involved, officials said there were zero injuries [5]. The exact cause of the ignition has not been confirmed by investigators at this time [1, 4].
Local authorities monitored the air quality and site stability following the containment of the flames. The plant remains under observation as crews assess the structural damage caused by the heat and the firefighting efforts.
“The fire involved flammable and toxic materials.”
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with the Gran Rosario industrial corridor, where the high concentration of grain processing plants creates potential for large-scale industrial accidents. The rapid evacuation and closure of Route A012 demonstrate the critical intersection of industrial safety and regional logistics in Argentina's primary agricultural export zone.
