Redacción Devastating fire in La Plata: an appliance warehouse collapsed
The flames consumed the building in a few hours, and more than 50 families were evacuated
A massive fire swept through an appliance warehouse located in the heart of La Plata this morning.The fire caused part of the structure to collapse, causing washing machines, refrigerators, and other appliances to fall onto the sidewalk. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.
The incident broke out around 6:30 a.m. in a building at Diagonal 77 and 48. Neighbors immediately alerted firefighters, who arrived with three units to fight the flames. Amid a severe storm, the risk of collapse forced the evacuation of more than 50 families and several nearby schools.
The fire started at dawn and triggered mass evacuations
Diego Pepe, La Plata's Secretary of Security, confirmed to Todo Noticias that the building's facade collapsed and that there were explosions of appliances. The electricity supply in the area was also interrupted, and several parked vehicles were reached by the fire.
The latest images captured show the moment when part of the building gave way and the appliances were ejected from the upper floors.
Fabián García, Director of Civil Defense for Buenos Aires Province, reported that the fire completely consumed the warehouse. The rapid spread prevented any attempt to contain the flames in the first few minutes. It was only after 11 a.m. that the fire was brought under control.
The warehouse had already been closed by the Municipality
According to official sources, the affected building was operating without municipal authorization and had been closed on June 25 by the Urban Control Secretariat. Record No. 14,748 was ratified two days later by Misdemeanor Court No. 5.
Despite judicial notifications issued on July 3, the site continued to operate clandestinely. The Municipality confirmed that it submitted the proceedings to the criminal court to investigate possible responsibilities.
Given the structural risks, the Municipality requested an urgent technical assessment from the Faculty of Engineering. A team of specialists in structures and geotechnics will evaluate whether the neighboring buildings are safe to inhabit.
Javier Alonso, Provincial Minister of Security, stated that 148 firefighters participated in the operation. Work is currently underway to cool the dividing walls, especially on 48th Street, where there is another adjacent building that reportedly shows no visible damage.
"Most of the evacuated families stayed with friends or relatives. They are expected to return tonight if the engineers confirm that there is no danger," Alonso explained.
Official assistance and ongoing operation
La Plata's Social Development Secretariat set up a registry to assist those affected. In addition, temporary accommodation was offered to those in need.
Throughout the operation, teams from Territorial Emergencies, Security, Urban Control, Social Development, Health, and Environment worked at the site. So far, no injuries have been reported.
The Municipality warned that, although the fire has already been extinguished, risks remain due to the entry of oxygen and possible additional collapses. The area will remain cordoned off until the structural assessments are completed.
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