Brazil: Authorities responding to explosion and fire at gas station in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, May 4

Authorities are responding to an explosion and fire at a gas station on Avenida Cairu in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, as of May 4. A generator malfunction reportedly caused the blast and ensuing blaze. The incident has injured at least two people and comes amid significant flooding in the area. Emergency crews have deployed to the scene, which is located near the intersection of Avenida Cairu and Avenida Benjamin Constant, and responding utilities personnel have cut electricity in the vicinity. The fire has emitted a large plume of smoke.

The smoke from the blaze may noticeably worsen air quality in the surrounding area over the short term. Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the area at least until firefighting operations are complete. Transport and business disruptions will likely affect the vicinity of the incident site over the coming hours due to the flooding, firefighting operations, and electricity disruptions. Officials may close roads and issue evacuation orders on short notice depending on the needs of the emergency response.