Tragic Explosion at Fireworks Company Claims One Life in Alava

A tragic incident has unfolded in Lantarón, Alava, where an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing company resulted in one fatality and left another person seriously injured. According to reports from the Ertzaintza and the Araba Fire Department, the explosion occurred around 11:10 AM on Monday at FML, a family-owned business located in the Bergüenda council, approximately 44 kilometers from Vitoria, near the border of Álava and Burgos. Emergency services quickly cordoned off the area, and both local police and fire brigade units were dispatched to the scene. The injured individual, suffering from severe burns covering at least 60 percent of their body, was airlifted by an Osakidetza helicopter to Cruces Hospital in Bizkaia for urgent medical care. Lantarón's mayor, Koldo Salbidea, who also responded to the situation, clarified that the explosion did not occur within the fireworks storage facilities. Instead, it took place in a work shed used by the company. Notably, the mayor reported that there were only four individuals working on-site, including the owner and three employees, and confirmed that the explosion did not affect any other workers present at the time. Mayor Salbidea reassured the community that the situation at FML is currently under control, as there are no ongoing fires posing further risk. FML has a long-standing history, having been established in 1875, and specializes in the manufacture of a variety of fireworks materials, including firecrackers, rockets, torches, and flares. In light of this unfortunate event, the company’s storied legacy has been significantly impacted, casting a shadow over its operations and the local community. Authorities will likely conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure the safety of the facility moving forward. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2