Man dead after factory explosion in Melbourne west

A man has died and dozens of people have been evacuated after a devastating explosion at a major city’s chemical factory.

A man has died and 30 workers have been evacuated following a chemical explosion at a factory in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Emergency services were called to the industrial building at Derrimut shortly before 10am on Thursday after an alarm was activated.

Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters arrived within four minutes at what is believed to have been an explosion caused by a chemical reaction.

Workers from the factory were evacuated and a Community Advice Notice was issued for smoke in the nearby industrial area.

One person is feared to have died and another injured following a chemical explosion at a factory in Melbourne's western suburbs. Picture: Supplied / Channel 9

About 80 firefighters with breathing apparatus and 30 appliances, including hazmat, were able to bring the fire under control about 12pm.

In a statement, Victoria Police confirmed a 44-year-old Hoppers Crossing man had died and that they would investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.

At least 30 people were forced to evacuate the building while fire crews brought the blaze under control, with no other injuries being reported to police.

Derrimut – we are supporting emergency services at a chemical fire in Swann Drive. Please avoid the area. @FireRescueVic@CFA_Updateshttps://t.co/KMFVMETN7upic.twitter.com/V0ey8KB4dl

— Environment Protection Authority Victoria (@VicGovEPA) October 12, 2023

FRV’s assistant chief fire officer Dominic Scarfe said they were liaising with WorkSafe and the EPA, and a scientific officer was on scene to provide specialist advice.

“The process of blending some chemicals had resulted in an explosion and subsequent fire,” he told reporters.

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

Ambulance Victoria were also at the site to monitor the health and welfare of firefighters and to support occupants of the factory.

An alert from Vic Emergency suggested about 20 vehicles responded to the incident, two of which were CFA tankers from Caroline Springs an Truganina.