Crews from 13 brigades were on scene for more than 12 hours yesterday (Thursday 7 March) at a fuel tanker rollover at Barwon Downs.
Brigades were called at 5.47am to reports that a tanker carrying diesel and unleaded fuel had rolled on a bend on the Birregurra-Forrest Road. The accident had caused fuel to leak on the road and into a creek.
After arriving on scene, firefighters immediately paged additional trucks due to the potential fire hazard. Agencies including Victoria Police and EPA were also called to support crews.
EPA worked with firefighters to stop the spread of the fuel and a large exclusion zone was set up around the incident to ensure community safety.
Lara Heavy Hazmat conducted air monitoring and pumpers stood ready in case the fuel ignited. B Class foam was also used to prevent a possible fire.
The Birregurra-Forrest Road was closed in both directions near Griffins Road and an advice message was issued for a chemical hazard in the area.
Trucks and crews from Barwon Downs, Deans Marsh, Forrest, Gerangamete, Yeodene, Birregurra, Barrabool, Winchelsea, Wurdale, Belmont, Colac, Lara, District 6 HQ and Beeac Group attended the incident.
Once the scene was made safe, the focus of the response shifted to removing the remaining fuel from the truck’s compartmental tanks so both the truck and its trailer could be righted and removed.
A pumper from Colac Fire Brigade escorted the tow truck and its cargo to Colac as a precaution.
The road was reopened just after 7.30pm and firefighters were on scene until about 8pm monitoring and mopping up.
Both the driver and passenger were able to get out of the truck after the accident and were taken to hospital by Ambulance Victoria for assessment.
Beeac Group Officer Scott Richardson thanked everyone for their efforts at the incident.
“It was a long day but thankfully it was completed safely with only minimal injuries to the truck’s driver and passenger," he said.
“It was great to see all agencies - CFA, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Worksafe and EPA - work together as one to achieve a great result.”
Photos by Leanne Callahan, Pete Brien, Chris Roberts and Scott Richardson
Courtesy emergency.vic.gov.au
Author: Shaunnagh O'Loughlin