Lightning struck an electric transformer in a chemical plant. An adjacent warehouse containing methanol, solvents and other dangerous substances was on fire. Witnesses described the explosions heard just after the initial impact. A black smoke that could be seen several kilometres away was emitted from the fire. The resident population was evacuated within a radius of 800 m (200 persons), and housed in centres. Most of them were then allowed to return to their homes the same evening. Residents in the high risk zones were allowed to return home only the following evening. Fire-fighters from three fire stations fought the fire 3 hours to bring it under control. The warehouse was destroyed. The rescue teams were backed by a team specialised in dangerous products. Six people sustained injuries including four fire-fighters. Three of the injured were discharged from the hospital the same day while one remained hospitalised even after 24 hours.