The violent explosion that erupted during a fire at a chemical recycling business in Sydney’s west has been described as a “once in a career type of experience” by emergency responders. The incident occurred overnight at Kurrajong Street in North St Marys, sending a fireball more than 100 meters into the sky and showering firefighters with concrete and debris.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell remarked,
“I have never seen anything like that, to that degree.”
More than 50 fire units and hundreds of firefighters from across Western Sydney rushed to the scene just before 11 p.m. Despite their efforts, the fire rapidly intensified, leading to a massive explosion.
Firefighters Face Unprecedented Challenges
Commissioner Fewtrell detailed the harrowing scene, explaining that the explosion caused a large amount of debris to rain down on the firefighters.
“There was a large amount of debris that got showered down on the firefighters, as well as clumps of bricks and concrete that have been blown apart from the explosion,”
he said. The blast also damaged boundary walls of adjoining properties, forcing firefighters into a fierce battle to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Fortunately, only two firefighters suffered injuries, experiencing skin irritations from contact with chemicals. They were treated on-site by paramedics and did not require hospitalization.
Destruction and Aftermath
By late Sunday afternoon, the building was completely destroyed, and the walls of a neighboring business had been severely damaged. However, firefighters managed to save the contents inside. Footage from the scene showed smoldering remains and plumes of dark smoke continuing to rise.
Heroic Efforts Praised
The skill and quick decision-making of the firefighting teams have been credited with preventing further casualties. Commissioner Fewtrell noted,
“There was a storage tank that was sent as a projectile, that went almost 200 meters and fell just short of the railway line.”
He praised the foresight of commanders who had relocated a ladder platform just minutes before the explosion, which likely prevented more severe injuries.
Investigation Underway
Hazardous materials crews remain on the scene, securing chemical substances as investigations begin. The Environment Protection Agency, fire investigators, and NSW Police are working together to determine the cause of the fire. Commissioner Fewtrell stated,
“Over the course of today and coming days the fire investigators and police will be compiling all that information and to make an assessment on how this may have started.”
The investigation aims to piece together the sequence of events leading to the explosion, though officials acknowledge that definitive answers may be elusive.
Looking Forward
This incident highlights the dangers faced by emergency responders and the importance of thorough safety protocols. As the investigation continues, the community and authorities will be looking for lessons to prevent similar incidents in the future. The efforts of the firefighters have been widely praised, serving as a reminder of their critical role in public safety.
