In the early hours of Tuesday, October 17, a safety system at the Braskem petrochemical complex in Santo André, São Paulo, activated, causing a loud explosion and bright flare that startled local residents. The activation was due to a power outage in the area, which prompted the controlled burning of excess gases, leading to the loud noise and visual disturbance reported by nearby residents. The municipal Fire Department dispatched five teams to the site in response to calls from the public about the incident.

The safety mechanism, referred to as flare, is a standard procedure in the chemical and petrochemical industry, designed to manage excess gases safely. Despite the initial panic triggered by the explosion, no injuries were reported and the situation was brought under control swiftly. The Civil Defense agency confirmed that a significant discharge was noted from the waste combustion chimney, reinforcing the safety protocols in place during such an event. The electricity supply to the area was quickly restored following the incident.

Braskem, responsible for the petrochemical facility, issued a statement reinforcing that the flare is a standard safety device utilized globally in the industry. They emphasized their commitment to prioritizing the safety of the community and the environment, while assuring residents that the incident was managed effectively with no risk to public safety.