Police, including Armed Offenders Squad members, converged on Plimmerton this afternoon.
Tag Archives: oceania
Warning over air and water quality after toxic Melbourne factory fire
Residents living in Melbourne's west have been warned to avoid the area surrounding a toxic factory fire that is impacting air and water quality.
The large fire continues to burn after a "large chemical explosion" erupted at a factory on Swann Drive in Derrimut about 11.20am yesterday.
The fire was deemed under control at 3.32pm after 180 firefighters and more than 50 trucks responded to the "seventh alarm" fire.
READ MORE: Boy accused of deadly crash has bail revoked after absconding
Police confirmed no injuries were reported as everyone in the warehouse and neighbouring properties were safely evacuated.
Residents in Derrimut and Laverton North have been warned to keep their windows closed due to toxic smoke, though this advice could change as wind keeps up this morning.
People have also been warned to avoid contact with water from Cherry Creek, Anderson's Swamp, and Kayes Drain, which have been contaminated by runoff.
The Environment Protection Authority said "no ash impacts" had been observed but urged people in the affected area to wipe down surfaces if they spotted ash, and to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said there were a number of chemicals and dangerous goods on site that were consumed in the fire.
He said the exact quantity was currently not known.
"We are now currently managing runoff of contaminated water as a result of the firefighting effort and contaminants in the building alongside the EPA," he said.
"It is a dynamic situation and we are undertaking atmospheric monitoring so we can allow businesses in the area to return to premises on a case by case basis.
"There are still road closures in place and a current 'Watch and Act' in place for the same area issued yesterday."
READ MORE: Spice rack staple pulled from the shelves at Aldi
9News understands it was the second fire at the same factory in less than a year after it went up in flames in October, resulting in the death of a 44-year-old man.
WorkSafe is responding and will investigate the company.
Fire Rescue Victoria said about three million litres of water and 40,000 litres of foam was used to suppress the fire.
There are three appliances currently undertaking firefighting operations to suppress the fire, with a further 11 appliances on the scene supporting.
It's expected the fire will continue to burn for several days.
READ MORE: Man in court accused of murdering woman found in tip
Residents are assured there is no current threat but to monitor conditions and stay informed.
Telstra has also reported a 4G and 5G network outage in Derrimut.
There is also a power outage affecting some residents near the fire, according to PowerCor.
READ MORE: Four-metre croc that killed NT girl destroyed
Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Michelle Cowling earlier said a range of chemicals, including kerosene, fuel, methylated spirits and ethanol inside the factory had made it hard for crews to bring it under control.
She said fuel drums inside were exploding and launching into the air, making it dangerous for emergency services and residents.
"We estimate we're going to be here a couple of days because of the fuel load in this factory," she said.
"We can't get in close enough to cool this fire down. It will have to be pulled apart."
Cowling said all the factories surrounding the site had also been evacuated, with the biggest threat to the community being the toxic smoke.
"We take this very seriously, we don't know what is in that smoke and smoke is toxic and will cause damage," she said.
Police were called to the site while Melbourne Water and the EPA assessed any damages yesterday.
Aerial vision showed burnt gas bottles at the site as the fire continued to grow.
The flames forced a fence to fall and were seen inching dangerously close to a grassed area.
Heavy traffic delays were felt around the area after Swann Drive and the Western Freeway were forced to close.
Motorists were urged to avoid the area and keep their car ventilation on recirculate and windows up.
Dozens of kangaroos found shot, rammed to death
Victoria's Conservation Regulator is appealing for information as it investigates the death of more than 65 eastern grey kangaroos that were found on a country road in the state's centre last month.
The kangaroos were found on Saturday, June 22 with fatal gunshot wounds, and other injuries suggesting they had been rammed by a vehicle.
A wildlife shelter operator made the discovery in private paddocks along Tait-Hamilton Road at Gobarup, about 50km east of Bendigo.
READ MORE: Woman, teen girl found dead in Sydney home
The dead kangaroos were found spread across roughly 190 hectares of land.
When the area was investigated, used shotgun cartridges were also found in the area.
Officers from the Conservation Regulator have spoken with a local landowner, who is not considered a person of interest.
Three kangaroos were found alive at the scene but were euthanised due to their injuries, while two joeys have been put in the care of a wildlife shelter.
READ MORE: Victorian premier slams 'disgraceful' attack on electorate office
According to Victorian Crimestoppers, it is suspected that the kangaroos were killed between 6pm on Friday, June 21, and 4pm on Saturday, June 22.
In Victoria, all wildlife including kangaroos are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it's illegal to hunt or destroy wildlife without authorisation.
The maximum penalty for each offence can be a fine of $9870 or six months in prison.
Anyone with information about the kangaroos' death has been asked to contact authorities.
Dannevirke crime: Local who was burgled fears there may be a bigger issue at hand
Resident fears Dannevirke has a crime problem after homes repeatedly broken into.
Aratere ferry grounding: How an NZ First tweet drove daylight between Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters
Public speculation about the Aratere’s June grounding ramped up after an NZ First tweet.
‘Do not kiss children:’ Early Childhood teacher warned by manager about conduct
The man said the line for physical touch was blurry and his training didn’t cover it.
Swedish tourists case: David Tamihere vows to keep fighting after Court of Appeal failure as lawyer says he wants to take case to Supreme Court
‘You’ve got to grab them by the short and curlies,’ a defiant Tamihere says.
Sun sets on Wimbledon run, but Te Anau still glows
Te Anau has rallied behind Lulu Sun’s historic Wimbledon performance.
Two children home alone in smoke-filled Christchurch house: Witness describes the scene
Police say neighbours prevented a tragic outcome.
Quiet street rocked by ‘unspeakable tragedy’ as crossbow victims mourned
Locals of a leafy English town are in mourning as the racing community rallies behind BBC radio commentator John Hunt in the wake of the tragic crossbow murders of his wife and two daughters.
The 61-year-old's wife, Carol Hunt, and their daughters Louise and Hannah, aged 25 and 28, were found with serious injuries inside a house on Ashlyn Close, in the town of Bushey in Hertfordshire.
The Daily Mail newspaper and others reported that Hunt found the bodies early on Tuesday evening after returning home from reporting at Lingfield Park racecourse south of London.
READ MORE: Australian businessman found unconscious in US street
A growing shrine of tributes are being laid at the scene overnight as the devastated residents of Ashlyn Close try to come to terms with the callous attack.
"It's really sad. Ashlyn Close is a very small road, it's really shocking …absolutely shocking and I feel sorry for the family," one neighbour, who asked not to be named, told local news outlet Watford Observer.
"I'm so sad for the family. It's a shocking thing to happen. It's just a quiet little area."
READ MORE: The drugs Australians are turning to in record numbers
Alyssa Maxim, 18, told the publication "everyone knows everyone" on the quiet, leafy cul-de-sac.
"We got so close, especially during COVID. My mum was obviously very close with (their) mum and they chatted in the street," she said.
"Everyone says they were such a lovely family. They were a nice normal family."
Su Kehinde, 60, who lives nearby, tearfully turned out to lay flowers at the makeshift memorial this morning.
"They were the loveliest, gentlest family," she told the Guardian.
"They were the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls."
READ MORE: Medal hopes, venues, times and more: Everything you need to know about Paris 2024
As floral tributes and handwritten notes line Ashlyn Close, Hunt's colleagues have sent messages of love and support.
As part of a note sent to BBC staff, the broadcaster described the tragedy as "utterly devastating".
"Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can," the note read.
Matt Chapman, a racing commentator with ITV, said there were "no words" to describe what unfolded.
"Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal – racing loves you," Chapman wrote in a tribute.
Sky Sports Racing said the network was "deeply saddened by the tragic deaths".
"Our thoughts are with our colleague John Hunt, his family and friends at this awful time."
Morris Bright, councillor of the Hertsmere borough of Hertfordshire, paid his respects.
"Residents of Bushey are shocked and disturbed at the news that a triple murder has taken place in Ashlyn Close," he wrote in a Facebook post.
"Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service who provided assistance at the scene of the crimes last night have offered any further support needed by the Police.
"In the meantime our thoughts and prayers are with these who have been killed, their families and local residents affected by these horrific crimes."
Chelmsford City Racecourse said Hunt is "a long-standing and valued member of our community".
"Our thoughts and condolences are with him, his family and his friends at this time."
The Professional Jockeys' Association said all jockeys would wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence for tonight's races, through to tomorrow, in honour of Hunt and his family.
"This is an unspeakable tragedy to befall anyone, but to happen to someone as popular and beloved as John is even more heartbreaking," it said in a statement.
Following a manhunt, Hertfordshire Police said 26-year-old Kyle Clifford was found in the Enfield area of north London, near his home suffering injuries.
Police did not say how those injuries happened but said they had not fired any shots.
"This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the victims' family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened," Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit said.
A vigil mass will be held on behalf of the hunt family at St James and St Pauls Parish at Bushey today about 8pm AEST.