Petrol has been mixing with floodwaters in Sydney after a pump failed at Australia’s largest fuel import terminal.
A failure at the Caltex refinery caused floodwaters that inundated the southern suburb of Kurnell overnight to mix with underground petrol residue, spilling the potent mixture onto the street.
Emergency services are onsite at Elouera Road near Greenhills to manage the hazardous material and working to prevent contamination.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) released a statement on Thursday morning, saying there was no risk of danger, despite the smell of fuel in the air.
“Significant rainfall overnight has filled a refinery retention pit with water, mixing with fuel residue at the site and creating a pungent odour in the area,” FRNSW said.
Hazmat specialists have been at the scene, along with NSW Police, the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and other authorities, working together to assess and deal with the situation, and allay community fears.
Residents reported smelling petrol early in the morning, taking to social media to get answers for the toxic fumes.
Roads are closed in Kurnell.
“Oil and diesel are mixed in with floodwaters over roads,’ the NSW SES said in a statement released around 6am on Thursday.
“Motorists should avoid driving through the area”
“Drive to conditions and follow instructions of emergency services and road closure signage.”
More to come.
Extracted from The Australian