Zilina Lifts Air Leak Emergency after Situation Stabilises

Zilina, 16 January (TASR) – The city of Zilina at 2.00 p.m. on Friday lifted the state of emergency declared on 4 December 2025 in response to the release of an unknown substance into the air on Moyzesova Street. City spokesperson Zuzana Ondrasova told TASR following Friday's meeting of the crisis staff that the municipal authority has decided to lift the emergency for legal reasons, as, based on the information obtained, keeping it in place any longer is now unjustified. The situation in the affected area has been stabilised and is assessed as safe for now. "Despite the fact that the state of emergency has been lifted for legal reasons, we take the issue very seriously and are actively addressing it. The source of the pollution continues to be investigated," said Zilina mayor Peter Fiabane. According to the city, an investigation by the environmental police is continuing based on suspicions of illegal waste handling, as well as an investigation into a criminal complaint filed by the city of Zilina. "In this context, we've filed a criminal complaint against an unknown perpetrator on the suspicion that the crime of general endangerment has been committed. At the same time, we've contacted Environment Minister Tomas Taraba by letter, requesting expert cooperation from the Environment Ministry in addressing the emergency ... including an assessment of environmental risks and the provision of necessary measurements of soil, water and air," stressed Fiabane. The state of emergency was declared at 6.00 a.m. on 4 December 2025 after the release of an unknown substance into the air on Moyzesova Street. Samples taken in the affected area identified toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene and benzene, but not in concentrations dangerous to human health. As part of preventive measures, drinking water samples were also taken, with no hazardous substances found. Air measurements didn't show the presence of substances at levels harmful to the health and lives of local people. mf/df