University of Sydney hazmat emergency: Three people rushed to hospital after Darlington chemical reaction
Three people have been rushed to hospital after a chemical incident at a university in Sydney sparked a hazmat emergency.
It is understood that a staff member was moving a bucket of acid at The University of Sydney just before 10am on Tuesday, when the chemical reacted, causing a large flash and explosion.
The explosion occurred outside the Darlington Campus of the university.
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NSW Fire and Rescue said the reaction caused a “vapour cloud”.
Two people, believed to be contractors working further down the street, were also taken to hospital after they inhaled the fumes from the chemical reaction.
The three people have been taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown.
Specialist hazmat crews are on-site to remove dangerous chemical residue in the area.
The University of Sydney said in a statement: Emergency services and hazmat personnel are currently attending a chemical incident on our Darlington Campus near the Sydney Uni Sports and Aquatic Centre.”
“An exclusion zone has been set up and all members of our community are asked to please avoid the area around Codrington Street and Butlin Avenue until further notice.
“The Services Building has been evacuated as a precautionary measure.”
It is understood that the bucket of acid is still at the site and is currently being covered with an umbrella.
Those in the immediate area of the explosion were told to monitor for itchiness to the skin/eyes and irritation to the respiratory tract.
