An explosion at an asphalt factory in the Industrial Zone in Qabes City, Southeastern Tunisia killed at least six people and injured one. Four workers died on the spot, while the other two died after being transported to a hospital in Gabes.

The fire department immediately responded to the fire and sent several fire engines, and a search operation has been launched to find if there were any other victims. An investigation has been launched to determine the causes of the asphalt tanker explosion. Causes remain unknown.

The incident has raised the alarm about the terrifying situation of equipment maintenance and means of protecting and securing facilities from fires and explosions in the Industrial city of Qabes as well as the devastating environmental and health damages caused by the chemical industries in the city.

There have been ongoing protests in the city since the explosion under the slogan "Qabes is afflicted: State Crime". Protesters and environmentalists have renewed calls for increased regulation and the removal of the factories from the city, and to hold officials accountable and uncover the circumstances of the incident, fearing an explosion like the one that happened in Beirut port last August.