Major silo collapse at Manildra, Bomaderry: Fire and Rescue on scene

Two silos have collapsed with a third at risk of falling at a factory flanking the Shoalhaven River. The cause of the calamity remains unknown, but the local member has said “something needs to be done”.

Dozens have been evacuated from a state-of-the-art Australian produce factory on the NSW south coast, after two major silos collapsed and spilt their contents into the river, as multiple crews fight to avoid a third from falling.

The two 30m-high silos collapsed late on Thursday night at Manildra in Bomaderry – a south coast factory which produces a range of Australian food and produce products.

A Fire and Rescue spokesman told this publication that the first major silo collapsed at 10.30pm on Thursday, spilling grain into the neighbouring Shoalhaven River.

The impact caused a second silo – also containing grain – to also fall.

The spokesman said no one was injured and no fires were started as a result of the calamity, but he did reveal 65 employees were evacuated.

65 people have been evacuated as a result of the collapse. Picture: Fire and Rescue

He said an exclusion zone around the silos created on Thursday night remains in place.

“Approximately 20 firefighters remain on scene, including FRNSW Hazmat specialists, and RPAS, or drone pilots,” the spokesman said.

Grain has spilt into the Shoalhaven River. Picture: Fire and Rescue

“We currently have a hazmat crew in the river working out plans to remove the grain from the water.

“Small quantities of grain in water are fine, but large amounts can cause problems.”

The spokesman said SafeWork NSW and the NSW Environmental Protection Agency were now on-site to manage the clean-up.

A hazmat crew is in the Shoalhaven River to remove the grain. Picture: Fire and Rescue

The spokesman said the crews were clearing the site around the silo, as well as emptying its grain.

“Manildra is still operating given the threat doesn’t involve the entire factory, but workers are being told to avoid the area while crews work,” he said.

“We currently don’t know what caused the collapse, but Manildra will commence an investigation when safe to do so.”

The two silos collapsed after 10pm on Thursday night. Picture: Fire and Rescue

Kiama MP Gareth Ward, who has been vocal of issues, such as fires, at Manildra in the past, said “something needs to happen” after Thursday’s incident.

He said a bypass needed to be built around the large-scale factory for community safety.

“I’m concerned because at the fact that we keep seeming to be having incidents,” he told this publication.

Mr Ward said a safety audit by a third party into the facility needed to be completed as soon as possible.

“I’m glad they bring jobs to the region, but it is time for an independent body to look into their situation, so we can make sure the community and locals are safe,” he said.

In a statement to the media, Manildra said they were “fully cooperating with Fire and Rescue”.

“A quantity of grain has spilled into the Shoalhaven River, and Manildra Group is actively working alongside SafeWork NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to address this,” the statement reads.

“Our onsite team is working with structural engineers to assess the situation.

“We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of workplace health and safety for our employees and the Bomaderry community.”

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Originally published as Major silo collapse at Manildra, Bomaderry: Fire and Rescue on scene