VATHY, Greece – A major fire broke out on Saturday at the AKFA chemical plant owned by Interkem in Vathy, Avlida has been brought under control, the fire brigade announced.

Fire-fighters remain on the scene as a precaution and an investigation into the causes of the fire has been launched by fire brigade investigators.

The fire started at 8:30 on Saturday in a massive metal vat containing 500 tonnes of the solvent styrene. It was reported by a guard that heard an explosion and saw flames coming out of the tank.

The fire brigade mobilised immediately and sent a large force of 40 fire fighters and 19 fire engines to the scene. The fire fighters focused on containing the fire by dousing the vat in foam and trying to cool the exterior to prevent it spreading to other vats nearby.

There were no injuries as the factory is not working at full capacity and only two sections are currently in operation.