One dead in fire at Yatala industrial area

A 38-YEAR-OLD man has been killed in a fiery explosion at an oil reclaiming business at Yatala this morning.

Mates tried to save worker killed in explosion

WORKERS at a Yatala oil plant risked their lives to extinguish a fire after it killed a fellow employee this morning.

A 38-year-old Oil Tech International employee was unloading oil from a truck into a pit when it exploded.

The explosion killed the man instantly and sparked into an intense fire.

One person is dead after an fire at commercial business at Yatala. Photo: Matthew Howard

Distraught workers sprang into action, doing what they could to control the emergency situation.

The tragedy unfolded at the Sandy Creek Rd plant just after 8am today.

District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Marc Kimber said police and Workplace Health and Safety were investigating the incident.

“Workplace safety will look at aspects, the workings of the facility and its general practises,” he said.

The scene at a Yatala oil reclaiming business where a man was killed this morning. Photo: Jessica Elder

Acting chief Superintendent for Queensland Fire and Emergency, David Herman, said workers successfully prevented the fire spreading.

“A gentleman has lost his life here today, but workers did reduce this incident, it could have been worse,” he said.

“They did what they were trained to do and followed their processes.

“We will now follow an investigation process and secure the site, which we expect to take the remainder of the day.”

Devastated employees have been sent home and offered counselling.

It is believed a truck driver and fellow plant employee witnessed the incident, neither were injured.

The scene at a Yatala oil reclaiming business where a man was killed this morning. Photo: Jessica Elder

EARLIER

A 38-YEAR-OLD MAN has been killed in an explosion at an oil-reclaiming business at Yatala.

Around 8.15am a truck was dumping a load of material near an open air container when a fire ignited at the Sandy Creek Road premises.

An aerial view of part of the oil facility at Yatala. Photo: 7 News

Seven fire crews, police and ambulance attended.

The man died at the scene as a result of injuries suffered from the fire.

Workplace Health and Safety will investigate the incident.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.