Major fire in Australia - Explosion in chemical plant: toxic cloud of smoke over Melbourne
In the Australian metropolis Melbourne, a cloud of toxic gases is drifting towards residential areas following a severe explosion at a chemical factory. The emergency services of the state of Victoria urged residents of several suburbs to seek shelter in indoor spaces and to close all windows and doors immediately.
The fire broke out in the morning (local time) at a plant in an industrial area in Derrimut in the west of Melbourne, after chemical materials were released into the air there.
Danger of exploding metal drums
According to media reports, over 180 firefighters were on site. By the afternoon, the fire was largely under control. However, large metal drums, in which chemicals were stored, were still exploding.
"The warehouse itself is filled with various types of chemicals, and when these drums are hit by the fire, they explode and are launched into the air," said a spokesperson for the emergency services. People were urged to stay clear of the incident site.
Several roads around the affected area were closed and nearby factories were evacuated. "We estimate that we will be here for several days due to the fuel quantity in this factory," the spokesperson added. There were initially no reports of fatalities or injuries.
A large black smoke cloud was visible from many suburbs of Melbourne from a distance. According to the Australian ABC, this is the same chemical plant where an employee was killed in an explosion last year.
- The major fire in Melbourne's Derrimut industrial area, triggered by an explosion at a chemical plant, has led to a dangerous situation with explosions of large metal drums containing chemicals.
- Residents in several Melbourne suburbs have been advised by the emergency services to seek shelter indoors and close all windows and doors due to the drifting toxic gases from the chemical factory incident.
- The fire department and over 180 firefighters have been working to control the fire, but the presence of various types of chemicals in the warehouse is causing metal drums to explode, launching them into the air.
- The cause of the morning explosion at the Melbourne chemical plant, which released toxic gases into the air, is yet to be determined by the fire department's investigation team.
- The Australian Chemical Regulator has been informed about the incident, and the fire department is coordinating efforts with them to minimize any potential environmental impact caused by the explosion and subsequent fire.
