Five Australia Post workers hospitalised after toxic pesticide leak in Townsville

Five postal workers were rushed to hospital after being exposed to a potentially deadly hazardous substance that leaked from a package at a Queensland post office with authorities now identifying what likely caused the commotion.

Emergency services were called to the facility on Morris St in West End, Townsville, after a worker discovered an unknown substance leaking from a package about 6.30am on Friday.

The worker became unwell and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

The toxic substance contaminated other mail items placed on a truck, prompting an immediate evacuation of the facility while emergency crews launched an investigation.

A second emergency was called in after four more workers at a Charters Towers Australia Post sorting facility on Gill St became unwell and were taken to hospital about 6.40am.

Although there were some initial confusion as to what the hazardous substance was, authorities discovered it was likely a toxic pesticide commonly used to kill termites.

The affected workers experienced mild symptoms from the exposure and are now recovering at home after receiving medical treatment.

Australia Post said the incident highlights the dangers postal workers can face when handling packages containing hazardous materials.

“The safety of our team members is our number one priority and Australia Post has strong, well established safety protocols around these incidents. We continue to support our team members,” they said at the time.

“We remind all customers of the important safety regulations in place around the sending of dangerous, prohibited and restricted goods.”

Emergency crews worked to secure the scene and ensure no further contamination occurred at the facility.