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Sydney Chemical Recycling Blaze Contained After Violent Explosion Sends Tank Flying

Authorities shift to investigation after crews contained the fire at North St Marys.

Overview

  • A massive blast lofted a storage tank nearly 200 metres and generated a fireball well over 100 metres, showering firefighters with concrete debris.
  • Roughly 50 fire trucks and about 185–200 firefighters used aerial platforms, drones and bulk water carriers to contain the inferno and shield neighbouring properties.
  • Two firefighters sustained minor chemical-related hand injuries and were treated at the scene without hospitalisation.
  • A 200 metre exclusion zone remains in place as residents are urged to stay indoors and close windows, with Hazmat teams and the NSW EPA monitoring air quality and hazards.
  • The cause is unknown as a joint inquiry begins; the facility is heavily damaged with neighbouring walls blown out, and smouldering is expected to continue for days.