A devastating explosion in a factory in Ibi, Alicante, has left three workers dead and three others gravely injured, with several additional casualties suffering less severe injuries. The incident occurred shortly before noon on Wednesday when a boiler exploded at Industrias Climber SA, a facility specialising in cork production.
The explosion caused the roof and parts of the factory walls to collapse, trapping workers under the rubble. Emergency services were promptly dispatched, with seven fire crews, a medical helicopter, and multiple ambulances arriving at the scene. Authorities have confirmed that 39 employees were inside the building when the explosion occurred.
🏭 Se ha producido una explosión en una fabrica en el municipio de Ibi (A). Se han movilizado diversas dotaciones de @BomberosDipuALC además de varios recursos de @GVASESCV 🚑🚒@ayuntamientoibi #IbiEmergencias 🚨
📹 @DonPatronEth pic.twitter.com/Q2g2RK8nc0
— VOST Comunitat Valenciana (@VOSTcvalenciana) November 27, 2024
Loss of lives and significant injuries
The deceased include three men aged 22, 29, and 51, two of whom were local to Ibi, while the third was from the neighbouring town of Xixona. Local mayors have announced official periods of mourning in both municipalities.
Among the injured, one worker was airlifted to Valencia’s La Fe Hospital due to severe burns. Others, including two women in their twenties with minor injuries and a man with multiple trauma, were transported to local hospitals in Alcoy and Alicante.
Community in mourning
The town of Ibi is observing three days of official mourning to honour the victims. Mayor Sergio Carrasco expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and praised the emergency services for their rapid response. The Red Cross has deployed a psychosocial support team to assist relatives of those affected.
Devastation beyond the factory walls
The force of the factory explosion also damaged a neighbouring warehouse, with sections of the collapsed roof landing in the adjacent building. Local firefighters described the site as “devastated on both sides,” with the blast’s impact felt across the industrial estate. Workers from nearby facilities formed a human chain to help remove debris before emergency responders arrived.
Official responses
Pilar Bernabé, the government delegate in the Valencian Community, confirmed that two of the deceased were employees of Climber, while the third worked for the neighbouring company Ibipal. Regional President Carlos Mazón expressed his sorrow, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
Muy preocupado por el accidente laboral en Ibi (Alicante) y pendiente de la información que nos está llegando. Quiero mandar mis ánimos a trabajadores y familiares tras este triste suceso. https://t.co/0q9RnV7P8W
— Carlos Mazón (@carlos_mazon_) November 27, 2024
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway, as local authorities and workplace safety agencies aim to understand what led to this tragic incident