# Mercaptan spill in Mar del Plata

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mercaptan-spill-in-mar-del-plata
> Updated: 2026-10-19T18:30:31.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In Mar del Plata, Argentina, a strong odor of gas led to widespread concern and the evacuation of several schools, including Escuela Técnica N° 3. 

Camuzzi Gas Pampeana reported that the smell was not caused by a gas leak or pipeline rupture, but by a spill of mercaptan, a liquid odorant. The company attributed the spill to an act of vandalism at the El Tejado pressure regulation station, where the pump used to inject the odorant was damaged. Authorities stated the situation was under control and posed no explosion risk.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Safety concerns rise at schools in Progreso and Mar del Plata

Structural failures at an elementary school in Progreso and repeated thefts at schools in Mar del Plata have sparked safety and security concerns among parents and local residents.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/safety-concerns-rise-at-schools-in-progreso-and-mar-del-plata

### 2026-10-06: Mar del Plata evacuations following mercaptan spill

Vandalism at a pressure regulation station in Mar del Plata caused a mercaptan spill, leading to strong gas-like odors and school evacuations, though officials confirmed there is no actual gas leak.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mar-del-plata-evacuations-following-mercaptan-spill

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Cite as: Mercaptan spill in Mar del Plata. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mercaptan-spill-in-mar-del-plata