Three people have been rushed to hospital after a chemical incident at a university in Sydney sparked a hazmat emergency.

It is understood that A staff member was moving a bucket of acid at The University of Sydney just before 10am on Tuesday, when the chemical reacted, causing a large flash and explosion. The explosion occurred outside the Darlington Campus of the university. The person carrying the bucket has been rushed to hospital with chemical burns to their arms and body.

NSW Fire and Rescue said the reaction caused a “vapour cloud”. Two people, believed to be contractors working further down the street, were also taken to hospital after they inhaled the fumes from the chemical reaction. The three people have been taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown.

Specialist hazmat crews are on-site to remove dangerous chemical residue in the area.

The University of Sydney said in a statement: Emergency services and hazmat personnel are currently attending a chemical incident on our Darlington Campus near the Sydney Uni Sports and Aquatic Centre.” “An exclusion zone has been set up and all members of our community are asked to please avoid the area around Codrington Street and Butlin Avenue until further notice. “The Services Building has been evacuated as a precautionary measure.”

It is understood that the bucket of acid is still at the site and is currently being covered with an umbrella. Those in the immediate area of the explosion were told to monitor for itchiness to the skin/eyes and irritation to the respiratory tract.

Response and Investigation

Following the incident, emergency services swiftly responded to the scene. Paramedics transported the three injured individuals to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, treating them for minor injuries.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews, equipped with protective clothing, are working to clean up the site. The chemicals involved are now stable, ensuring no ongoing safety risk to the community.

University's Statement and Action

The University of Sydney has taken immediate action to address the situation. They have established an exclusion zone around the affected area, urging members of the community to avoid Codrington Street and Butlin Avenue. As a precautionary measure, the Services Building has been evacuated. The university has also issued a statement, acknowledging the incident and assuring the community that they are cooperating with authorities.

“We’re grateful there do not seem to have been serious injuries as a result, however ambulance services are on campus and providing appropriate healthcare to the small number we’re aware of who require it,” the university said.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Health

The university has launched a full investigation into the chemical explosion to understand the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. They will be cooperating with relevant authorities in this investigation.

The university has also advised individuals who were in the vicinity of the incident to seek immediate medical advice if they experience itchiness to the skin or eyes, irritation to the respiratory tract, or believe they were exposed to any chemicals. This measure is intended to ensure public health and well-being following the incident.

A Moment of Relief

While this incident undoubtedly raised concerns within the university community and beyond, the swift response of emergency services, the quick stabilization of the chemicals, and the university's proactive actions have ensured that the situation is under control. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the need for constant vigilance in such situations, but the lack of any serious injuries is a welcome relief.

This article has been written with the aid of information from several news sources, including: