A chemical explosion at the Santos Port in Brazil has led to the evacuation of workers and the closure of several terminals. The explosion occurred Thursday evening as more than a dozen flammable containers combusted, causing toxic smoke to be strewn across the city. Though the fire has been entirely extinguished, a large, potentially toxic smoke cloud is still hovering over the port resulting in restricted access to parts of Brazil’s largest container port.  More than 50 people have received medical attention due to inhalation of toxic gases caused by the fire. The port’s remaining 53 undamaged terminals, including those handling containerized cargo, have returned to normal operations.

Shapiro will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.