Man dead following chemical explosion at factory in Melbourne’s west

Fire investigators returned to the work site on Sunday to probe a ruptured industrial container that was discovered in the fire’s wreckage.

A man has died following a chemical explosion at a factory in Derrimut on Thursday.

A container that leaked an “unknown liquid” could be behind an explosion that killed a man at a chemical factory in Melbourne’s west.

The 44-year-old Hoppers Crossing man died on Thursday while working at the warehouse on Swann Drive in Derrimut following a chemical reaction explosion.

Fire investigators returned to the work site on Sunday to probe a ruptured industrial container that was discovered in the fire’s wreckage.

A FRV spokesman said contractors found the container, which had a small leak in it of “unknown liquid”.

Specialist hazmat crews and FRV scientific officers will investigate the substance, and whether the damaged container, which is designed to hold large amounts of liquids such as chemicals, sparked the fatal explosion.

There are no safety threats to areas surrounding the site.

It comes after more than 80 firefighters battled the blaze as paramedics assessed another man aged in his 50s at the scene.

Fire crews outside the factory on Swann Drive in Derrimut. Picture: Ian Currie

About 80 firefighters in breathing gear responded to the fire. Picture: Ian Currie

The Herald Sun previously reported emergency services rushed to the industrial building in Derrimut about 9.45am on Thursday after a third alarm was called due to a chemical reaction explosion.

Fire Rescue Victoria received the first call from an automatic alarm before units arrived on scene about 9.48am.

Firefighters found a chemical fire ablaze at the rear of the industrial building and heavy smoke in the area.

About 80 firefighters battled the blaze, which was brought under control at 12pm.

“The circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.

“WorkSafe have been notified and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.”

Acting police inspector Matthew Flood said the exact cause of the explosion was still unknown and the situation was “incredibly sad”.

“Our investigators have spoken to next of kin and offered support to that person, as well,” he said.

Two other workers were treated for minor injuries and cleared at the scene by paramedics.

Inspector Flood said the event was “traumatic” for workers.

“Initially investigators spoke to some people and it’s a traumatic event for them, their wellbeing is paramount at the moment,” he said.

Police are yet to gain access to the factory.

Two women were consoled by police after they arrived at the scene.

Police at the scene of the explosion where a person was killed. Picture: Ian Currie

WorkSafe and the EPA assist with investigations. Picture: Ian Currie

Paramedics assessed another 28 people but deemed they didn’t require further treatment. It’s understood these patients were mostly evacuees from the worksite.

A blending of chemicals was believed to have caused the explosion and subsequent fire.

FRV Assistant Chief Fire officer Dominic Scarfe said after the fire had been extinguished, concerns now turned to the building.

“(Blending chemicals) onsite is a process they do quite regularly and it’s uncertain what triggered this explosion,” he said.

“We’ve had some concerns about damage to the building as well. It appears be OK at this stage but we will need to make sure it is structurally sound before the crews can go back in to clean up.”

Mr Scarfe said the building – where about 30 staff were working – was evacuated while workers from adjoining factories in the “wind path” were also told to leave.

Victoria Police Acting Inspector Matt Flood says the exact of the explosion remains unknown. Picture: Ian Currie

Fire crews from as far away as Geelong were called to help fight the fire. Picture: Ian Currie

The workers from adjoining factories are expected to be able to return to work later on Thursday.

Crews from as far as Geelong were called to help extinguish the blaze which Mr Scarfe said could have been worse with other chemicals present.

“There are other chemicals on site so if the fire had spread to them we could’ve had a significant event and we’ve managed to avert that,” he said.

Residents in Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine West and Truganina are advised to close their windows and doors in case of air pollution in the area.

“Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities, some roads in the area are closed, you will see or smell smoke in the area. Firefighters are currently responding to this fire,” FRV said in a post to Facebook.

“There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required.”

The EPA has also issued an alert warning residents about air pollution in the area, and others from outside the area urged to avoid the vicinity of the fire.

It’s understood support crews have been sent to the area to evaluate air quality and waterways.

WorkSafe also said in a statement it was investigating the matter.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.