A carbon monoxide leak at a pork processing facility in Melbourne’s western suburbs has resulted in 14 individuals being hospitalized.
Firefighters responded to the emergency after receiving reports of the incident at a factory on Benn Court in Derrimut around 12:45 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered that 60 people had been evacuated, with several showing signs of carbon monoxide exposure.
Fire crews immediately administered oxygen therapy while awaiting the arrival of paramedics.
Fourteen individuals were transported to hospitals, including Western Health Sunshine, Western Health Footscray, The Royal Melbourne, and Werribee Mercy. All are reported to be in stable condition.
Advanced life support and intensive care units also evaluated other affected individuals at the scene.
Equipped with breathing apparatus and gas detectors, firefighters entered the facility and found carbon monoxide levels to be “dangerously high.”
The building was ventilated until the atmosphere dropped to safe levels and the incident was brought under control less than an hour later.
The carbon monoxide leak was found to have come from meat preservation machinery.
Carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colourless and odourless gas, can be fatal if inhaled in close spaces.
WorkSafe inspectors are at the scene and assessing the situation.
