An explosion and fire occurred at the Perfetti Van Melle factory in Lainate, near Milan, on March 26, 2025, sending a large column of black smoke into the sky. The incident, which took place in the early afternoon, was alarming but thankfully resulted in no injuries. Firefighters from Milan and Saronno responded promptly, deploying nine vehicles to the scene.
The explosion reportedly originated in a warehouse where processing waste, primarily plastic and rubber residues, was stored. This has raised concerns about potential hazardous substances in the air, prompting the authorities to take precautionary measures. Three nearby buildings were evacuated as a safety protocol, and specialized vehicles from the Nuclear Biological Chemical Radiological (Nbcr) unit were dispatched to monitor the situation.
Witnesses reported seeing the thick black smoke from various locations, including the highway and throughout northern Milan. The fire was brought under control, and the situation is now stabilized, according to the local fire department.
Authorities confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries reported. However, the evacuation of adjacent civilian structures was necessary to ensure the safety of residents. Some elderly individuals from the nearby buildings experienced minor respiratory issues, which are currently being assessed by the 118 medical service.
Perfetti Van Melle, the company at the center of the incident, is a well-known multinational specializing in the production and distribution of confectionery, including candies and chewing gum. Established in 2001 through the merger of the Italian company Perfetti and the Dutch company Van Melle, it employs over 18,000 people and operates 33 production facilities worldwide. The company is famous for brands like Big Babol, Golia, Chupa Chups, Fruittella, Mentos, and Morositas.
The explosion occurred in a metal warehouse within the company's premises, which, fortunately, was unoccupied at the time. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames, and the company stated that its operations were not significantly impacted by the incident. A spokesperson for Perfetti Van Melle assured that "the fire has been extinguished and did not involve any personnel," emphasizing that the situation remains contained and has not had significant repercussions on their activities.
In light of the incident, the regional environmental protection agency, ARPA, has been called to the site to investigate the air quality and ensure that no harmful substances were released into the environment. The fire department has requested ARPA's assistance to conduct air sampling, given the involvement of waste materials that could potentially emit harmful chemicals.
Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the safety of residents remains a top priority. The evacuation of the nearby buildings was executed swiftly, demonstrating a well-coordinated emergency response.
As the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, the community in Lainate remains on alert. The fire department is working diligently to assess any structural damage and to determine the exact circumstances that led to this alarming event.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as more information becomes available. The Perfetti Van Melle plant is a significant employer in the region, and its operations are crucial to the local economy. The company has reassured stakeholders that they are committed to safety and transparency as they navigate this incident.
While the immediate danger has passed, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in industrial settings. The local community is grateful for the quick response from emergency services, which helped to mitigate what could have been a much more serious situation.
As investigations proceed, the focus will be on understanding how such an explosion could occur and what measures can be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety of workers and residents alike must remain paramount in the operational practices of industries like Perfetti Van Melle.
In summary, the explosion at the Perfetti Van Melle factory has raised significant concerns regarding safety and environmental health, but thanks to the rapid response of emergency services, the situation has been contained without injuries. As investigations continue, the community hopes for a thorough examination of the incident to ensure future safety in industrial operations.
