Derrimut pork factory fire: 14 rushed to hospital after carbon monoxide leak in Melbourne’s West
A carbon monoxide leak at a Derrimut pork processing facility has sent 24 workers to hospital on Monday after being exposed to dangerously high levels of the potentially fatal gas.
Around 60 staff members were evacuated from the Auspork site on Benn Court at about 12.45pm after the incident unfolded.
Firefighters responded swiftly, administering oxygen therapy to those showing symptoms until ambulance crews arrived on scene.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said 24 people were taken to hospital in a stable condition after the agency in an earlier statement said 14 people were hospitalised.
Fire Rescue Victoria teams later entered the facility, detecting elevated carbon monoxide readings inside.
“Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and entered the factory with gas detectors to take readings and assess the situation. It was found that the carbon monoxide readings inside the building were still dangerously high,” Fire Rescue Victoria said in a statement.
“Crews ventilated the building until the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dropped to safe levels.”
The building was ventilated until gas levels dropped to a safe rating, with the incident declared under control before 2pm local time, authorities said.
Investigators traced the source to equipment used for meat preservation.
WorkSafe authorities have been informed and are reviewing the matter.
- with AAP
