A river in greater Buenos Aires turned a deep red on Thursday, sparking concern among residents who suspect a chemical leak from a nearby factory. The Sarandí River, which runs through Avellaneda, about six miles south of Argentina’s capital, has long been the subject of pollution complaints.
Locals reported a strong, unpleasant odor coming from the water, with many suspecting a tannery as the source of contamination. María Ducomls, a resident, described the river as looking like “a bloody stream” and said similar incidents had happened before, with the water changing to shades of blue, green, pink, and purple.
Authorities have launched an investigation, with environmental officials collecting water samples to determine the cause of the discoloration. While the red hue had faded by the afternoon, residents continue to demand accountability for the recurring pollution.
