Sunshine Coast health research staff evacuated due to gas leak

Almost a dozen people have been hospitalised and 92 staff evacuated after a chemical spill at a research lab at the Sunshine Coast health precinct. SEE THE PICTURES

Staff were evacuated and QFES scientific officers were investigating after a reported gas leak.

A number of people are being treated at the emergency department after a suspected gas leak at a Sunshine Coast health research lab.

An evacuation of 92 health staff has taken place at Doherty St, Birtinya, near the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, following the incident.

Emergency services rushed to the scene around 12pm, Monday, May 30, 2022, after reports of a smell of gas from inside a lab at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute.

A Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said 92 people were evacuated following the chemical spill and 11 of those were taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for observation.

Staff at the Sunshine Coast health precinct were evacuated after a gas leak at a research lab. Picture: Patrick Woods

“There was no impact to Sunshine Coast University Hospital, its operations or its patient care,” she said.

“SCHI is located adjacent to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.”

Firefighters in chemical suits entered the research lab to investigate what the substance was and the cause of the leak.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said crews identified a “small odour”.

It remained unclear what the chemical was.

At 2.30pm QFES advised crews were still on scheme but the chemical spill had been contained.

“However there is the possibility of residual odour in the area. There is no threat to the public and no flammable gas leaks.

Earlier a QFES spokesman said fire crews wearing breathing apparatus had searched all levels the building and confirmed everyone was evacuated.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to Doherty St, Birtinya, after reports of a gas leak.

He said several people had been taken to the emergency department for treatment.

“Incident control is working with Queensland Ambulance Service and emergency staff to establish how many people have been evacuated,” he said.

“Several people have been taken to the emergency department … but no one has come into direct contact with that substance.”

He said seven fire and rescue crews were on the scene as well as a scientific crew and two senior officers.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics have treated several people following a reported gas leak at a health research lab at the Sunshine Coast.

A Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman confirmed there was an incident at a research lab at Sunshine Coast Health Institute.

“Emergency procedures were immediately enacted and SCHI staff were evacuated as a precaution,” she said.

“Queensland Fire and Rescue Service was called to assess the incident.”

Staff were evacuated and QFES scientific officers were investigating after a reported gas leak.