UPDATE: A catastrophic explosion at a factory in St Marys, Sydney has sent flames soaring 150 metres into the sky, prompting a major response from emergency services. The incident occurred around 11 PM on October 14, 2023, at a waste recycling facility on Kurrajong Rd, marking one of the largest fires in the area in recent years.
Fire and Rescue NSW were dispatched to the scene after reports of the initial fire when a massive explosion erupted, sending concrete blocks and debris raining down on first responders. The force of the blast was so intense that it caused walls to collapse in nearby buildings, raising significant concerns for local safety.
Currently, 50 fire trucks and hundreds of firefighters are engaged in battling the inferno, which is now contained but expected to smolder throughout the day. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries to their hands during the firefighting efforts.
Jeremy Fewtrell, Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, stated, “This is as big as fires get. Particularly the scale of that explosion, people will be talking about that for a long time.” Officials confirmed that a variety of hazardous chemicals were fueling the fire, leading to the deployment of specialized hazardous materials officers at the site.
Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed to minimize exposure to harmful smoke. The ongoing operations highlight the urgent nature of this incident, as firefighters work tirelessly to prevent the blaze from spreading further into residential areas.
This explosion underscores the critical importance of fire safety in industrial zones, and authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely.
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