Huge fire erupts at plastic processing plant near Budapest: thick black smoke seen

A major fire broke out on Friday morning at a plastic processing facility in Szigethalom’s ÁTI-Sziget Industrial Park, sending thick black smoke billowing across the sky and prompting a large-scale emergency response. According to Hungary’s disaster management authority, the blaze affected part of a roughly 3,000-square-metre industrial hall, where plastic granulate and machinery caught fire across an estimated 600 square metres.

Firefighters from several nearby towns, including Szigetszentmiklós, Budapest and Érd, rushed to the scene, joined by volunteer crews from surrounding settlements, Blikk reported. Emergency teams used ten foam water jets to bring the flames under control before later moving into the post-fire phase.

Three people were inside the building

Officials confirmed that three people were inside the building when the fire broke out. Later updates from the local municipality and the company indicated that no personal injuries were reported, which was the most reassuring development after the dramatic scenes.

The affected company, Knipping Automotive HU, also confirmed the incident, stating that while the material damage is significant, the full extent of the losses can only be assessed after firefighting and safety operations are fully completed.

Mobile labs found no toxic substances

Because of the burning plastic, authorities immediately deployed mobile disaster management laboratories from Fejér and Komárom-Esztergom counties to test the surrounding air, drainage channels and stormwater reservoirs.

According to statements from local officials, no toxic substances were detected in the air, nearby canal system or water reservoirs, easing fears among residents who had shared videos of the towering black smoke cloud on social media.

Szigethalom’s local government also reassured residents that the surrounding environment is not considered to be in danger.

Dramatic videos spread online

The fire quickly became one of the most talked-about local incidents of the day, with numerous videos circulating online showing flames tearing through the warehouse section and dense smoke rising above the industrial park.

Residents in nearby areas reported hearing sirens for an extended period as both professional and volunteer units continued their work at the site.

While the blaze has now been extinguished, the cause of the fire has not yet been made public.

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