Three Hospitalisations After Reported ‘Chemical Explosion’ at University of Sydney

Three people have been hospitalised after a reported ‘chemical explosion’ near the University of Sydney’s Sports and Aquatic Centre in Darlington.

Initial reports stated that a ‘chemical explosion’ occurred, but more information has come to light, revealing that a staff member was carrying a bucket of acid down Darlington Lane on the university campus at approximately 10am, and a chemical reaction took place.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) arrived on scene shortly after they received reports of a person suffering from chemical burns on their arms.

One employee and two bystanders were impacted by the acid-based chemicals, which FRNSW say were being transported down Darlington Lane for disposal.

There is no confirmation on exactly what the chemicals were that were being transported.

The two bystanders, contractors who had by chance been standing nearby, were taken to hospital as a precaution – which 9 News reports was due to them inhaling the fumes.

9 News also reports that the staff member carrying the chemicals was ‘reportedly using an umbrella to protect the chemical before the reported explosion’.

All three affected persons were taken to The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney’s inner west.

FRNSW: HAZMAT brought in for decontamination of  ‘chemical explosion’ area

“Firefighters immediately set up an exclusion zone and called for a specialist HAZMAT crew to assist with the incident,” reads a statement from FRNSW.

“The area has since been secured and analysed before being decontaminated and rendered safe.”

“SafeWork and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have been informed of the incident.”

You can see footage of the incident from Fire and Rescue NSW here.