LIMA, PERU — Horrific scenes unfolded Sunday afternoon as powerful explosions tore through an industrial plastics factory in the San Juan de Lurigancho district of Lima, triggering a massive fire that sent thick plumes of black smoke billowing over the capital. The incident occurred on Avenida Los Mangos and quickly escalated into a full-scale emergency, spreading flames to at least four nearby homes and part of a local school.

Local media outlets, including Infobae and América TV, reported that the fire erupted at around midday on November 9, 2025. Witnesses described a series of deafening blasts that shook nearby buildings before the entire structure was engulfed in flames. Videos circulating online show the blaze raging uncontrollably as residents flee the area amid chaos and panic.

Over twenty firefighting units were dispatched to the scene, working through heavy smoke and intense heat to contain the inferno. Authorities declared a “code-3” emergency, the highest classification used for large-scale urban fires in Peru. Firefighters managed to evacuate dozens of residents from surrounding buildings, and so far, there have been no confirmed casualties — a fortunate outcome given the scale of destruction.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though early reports suggest that flammable industrial materials inside the factory may have fueled the rapid spread of the blaze. Nearby streets have been cordoned off as emergency personnel continue cooling operations to prevent reignition.

The San Juan de Lurigancho district, one of Lima’s most densely populated areas, has faced similar industrial safety concerns in recent years. This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations and industrial oversight.

Despite the devastation, first responders’ swift actions prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss of life. For many residents, the sight of firefighters risking everything to protect their community has become a rare source of hope amid destruction.