Three people have been rushed to hospital following a chemical explosion near the University of Sydney’s Sports and Aquatic Centre, FRNSW has confirmed.
It’s understood a staff member was carrying a bucket of acid down Darlington Lane, Darlington, at the university campus, when a chemical reaction occurred just before 10am.
The staff member was walking near the campus Sports and Aquatic Centre.
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The staff member was reportedly using an umbrella to protect the chemical before the reported explosion.
Fire and Rescue NSW has this afternoon confirmed an acid-based chemical reaction caused the explosion.
Two contractors standing nearby inhaled the fumes, while the staff member suffered chemical burns to their arms.
All three people were taken to The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for treatment.
Fire and Rescue NSW sent hazardous response vehicles to the scene to decontaminate the street.
The area has now been rendered safe, FRNSW said.
The University of Sydney confirmed that an exclusion zone has been set up around Codrington Street and Butlin Avenue until further notice.
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It also said HAZMAT teams remained on site.
“We’re grateful there do not seem to have been serious injuries as a result, however, ambulance services are on campus and providing appropriate healthcare to the small number we’re aware of who require it,” the uni said.
Fears of a potential radioactive compound have been relieved and there is no radiation risk.
The Uni’s nearby Services Building was evacuated and uni students were restricted from accessing the area.
Any students near the G09 and G12 buildings have been told to monitor for symptoms and to seek medical advice if they start to experience itchy skin and eyes, or irritation to their respiratory tract.
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