A carbon monoxide leak at a pork processing facility in Melbourne’s west has sent 21 people to hospital. Emergency crews were called to the factory on Benn Court in Derrimut around 12.45pm, where they found about 60 workers already evacuated and several showing signs of carbon monoxide exposure.
Firefighters Provide Oxygen Before Paramedics Transport Injured Workers
Firefighters immediately began giving oxygen to affected employees until paramedics arrived. Ambulance teams then transported 21 people all reported to be in stable condition to four hospitals: Western Health Sunshine, Western Health Footscray, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Werribee Mercy Hospital. Advanced life support units and intensive care paramedics assessed many others at the scene.
Crews Detect Dangerously High Gas Levels Inside the Factory
Fire crews equipped with breathing apparatus and gas detectors entered the building and discovered “dangerously high” levels of carbon monoxide. They ventilated the site until the air quality reached safe levels, bringing the situation under control in less than an hour.
Leak Linked to Meat Preservation Machinery, Officials Say
Authorities later confirmed that the leak was traced to meat preservation machinery inside the facility. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, invisible, and odourless gas that can be deadly in confined environments.
WorkSafe Launches Investigation Into Gas Incident
WorkSafe inspectors have now arrived to examine the site and investigate what went wrong.
Fire Rescue Victoria Confirms High Gas Readings and Evacuation
Fire Rescue Victoria said it responded to the emergency on Monday afternoon, finding dozens evacuated and some suffering from gas exposure. According to the agency, “Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and entered the factory with gas detectors to take readings and assess the situation”. They added that crews found “the carbon monoxide readings inside the building were still dangerously high” when they first went in.
What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why It Is So Dangerous?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. It is extremely dangerous because when inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen from being transported to vital organs like the heart and brain, leading to tissue damage and potentially death. Because it has no smell or color, it is undetectable to humans, making poisoning possible before anyone realizes there’s a problem.
Updated Hospital Count: 24 People Treated in Stable Condition
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson later confirmed that 24 people were taken to hospital in stable condition, updating an earlier report that listed 14 hospitalised.
Gas Levels Reduced and Incident Declared Under Control
Fire Rescue Victoria said the building was fully ventilated until gas levels returned to a safe level, and the incident was declared under control before 2pm.
