One dead, another injured in Melbourne chemical plant explosion in Derrimut
- Smoke seen in the sky and a fire in the building
- Paramedics are currently treating two people
One person is reported dead and a building has been evacuated following a toxic explosion at a chemical plant.
Emergency services were called to extinguish a chemical fire on Swann Drive in Derrimut, west of Melbourne, at 9.45am on Thursday.
Thick smoke billowed from the fire that broke out in the building, with the flames causing panic among workers.
Ambulance Victoria said 30 people had been treated and the number could rise.
Firefighters are believed to be helping a person trapped inside the building.
One person reportedly dead and another injured following explosion in industrial building
“Paramedics are assessing a person who appears to be in stable condition,” the spokesperson said. told the Herald Sun.
It is feared that one person may have died.
Thirty other patients evacuated from the building did not require further care.
As many as 20 emergency vehicles responded to the incident, including two CFA tankers from Caroline Springs and Truganina.
An alert has been sent to residents in Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine West and Truganina to close their windows and doors as heavy smoke dominates the area.
“Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities, some roads in the area are closed, you will see or smell smoke in the area. Firefighters are currently responding to this fire,” FRV said in a Facebook post.
“There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.”
The Environmental Protection Agency is urging community members to avoid the area as they send specialists to assess air and water quality.
More soon
Up to 20 emergency vehicles responded to the incident (stock photo)
