Chemical spill sparks evacuation at Western Plains Correctional Centre

Emergency crews have rushed to a Lara prison to battle a dangerous leak from a 20,000 litre liquid oxygen tank that forced the evacuation of prisoners and staff.

Inside Western Plains Correctional Centre. Picture: Alison Wynd.

A chemical spill has sparked an emergency response at a prison north of Geelong, with prisoners and staff forced to evacuate.

Emergency services were called to Western Plains Correctional Centre on Bacchus Marsh Rd in Lara just after 9am following reports of a chemical spill near the prison industries area.

A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokeswoman said staff and prisoners were evacuated from the area.

“There has been no further impact on prisoner movements or accommodation,” the spokeswoman said.

The spill stemmed from a leak in a 20,000-litre liquid oxygen tank.

“All personnel within the area were accounted for and evacuated to a safe location,” a Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus isolated the tank and no injuries were reported.

It took fire crews almost 90 minutes to get the situation under control.

Firefighters will remain on scene until an inspection has been completed by a gas company representative.

A liquid oxygen is used to treat respiratory conditions and support lifesaving equipment.

When a liquid oxygen tank leaks it can create an oxygen-enriched environment that increases the risk of fire and explosions.

The incident comes a week after two Western Plains prisoners were taken to hospital following a stabbing incident at the prison.

A 25-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his chest and torso and a 32-year-old-man suffered a minor facial injury.

In June, a unit housing some of Victoria’s most sadistic inmates, including child killers and rapists, was transferred to the Western Plains facility due to a wide-scale heating replacement.

The Hoya Unit inside Barwon Prison was temporarily held at the facility for at least five days.

Originally published as Chemical spill sparks evacuation at Western Plains Correctional Centre