A lithium-fuelled fire has erupted at a Perth recycling plant, sending toxic smoke across the city's south-eastern suburbs for hours.

Batteries inside the Maddington workshop fuelled the flames as the co-owner was rushed to hospital and residents were warned to stay indoors. 

Flames filled workshops at Li-ion Energy as thick toxic smoke spiralled into the air about 1.30pm today, prompting a hazmat warning for parts of Perth.

"We had a bunch of lithium batteries ready for export, we don't think the fire was caused by the batteries," founder Justin Manton said.

"It was something that set fire to the crates around the batteries, it just spread really fast."

The owners were inside when the blaze ignited in one of the neighbouring workspaces.

"[It's] well over $7 million in lost goods, and then there's a building," Manton said.

Burwash Place in Maddington was closed as fire crews got to work.

"We know we're dealing with approximately 80 tonnes of solid-state batteries," Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA Superintendent Leigh Bishop said.

Just last year the owners spoke to 9News warning about the dangers of battery fires, never imagining they'd be dealing with one themselves on this devastating scale.

"Yeah it's pretty shocking, one of the things we just try to avoid the most is fires and to have it happen here is disappointing, and a bit tragic," Manton said.

Late this afternoon crews appeared to get the upper hand but were set to remain on scene into the night. 

The collapsed roof and walls of a workshop, along with twisted and smoking metal were signs of the damage.

"It'll be a hard one, it'll be pretty hard to overcome this," Manton said.

Nearby residents were told to stay inside because of the hazardous smoke.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

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The manhunt for a convicted gang rapist who allegedly escaped immigration detention is over.

Michael Angok was arrested at Seven Hills in Sydney's west this afternoon.

He had 100 hours of freedom before being arrested about a 40-minute drive from where he escaped in Bankstown.

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He's spent the last nine years in Villawood Detention Centre, but on Wednesday morning allegedly escaped from Bankstown Hospital while receiving treatment.

The 30-year-old was jailed for the gang rape of a 14 year-old-girl in Doonside in 2014.

He was awaiting deportation.

Police arrested the man and took him to Blacktown police station, where he was charged on the outstanding warrant.

He was refused bail to appear in Blacktown Local Court tomorrow.

Investigations are continuing.

Gale-force winds and large coastal swells are set to continue.

The fire broke out mid-morning at the luxury golf course north of Auckland.

Warning: This story contains images some readers may find distressing.

A tradie has recounted the moment he was brutally assaulted after an argument with another driver escalated. 

The road rage attack in Melbourne left him bloodied with broken teeth. 

"I just went straight into fight or flight, you know, like protect myself. I thought I was done for, to be honest. I've never been in a situation like that before," Ciaran said.

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The 21-year-old was struck in the head with a bat, kicked and punched in a vicious road rage attack. 

"They were screaming at me, 'we're gonna f—ing kill you', calling me a rat and stuff," he said.

"I don't even know these guys."

He says the argument began when he beeped his horn at a BMW travelling at half the speed limit in Keilor Downs.

"They were pushing me off the road, my car was hitting the rims on the side," he said.

"Both vehicles collided when he tried to cross lanes and instead was pushed into a fence.

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"And as I turned to get out of the car, I got a bat into the face and instantly I just felt all my teeth just crumble into my mouth.

"Blood instantly coming everywhere, I tried backing away from them."

The driver and his passengers continued to lay into the apprentice plumber.

"All I was focused on is protecting my face 'cause it was bleeding, you know, so I'm protecting my face, trying not to let my teeth come out. So I'm just getting kicked in the back of the head," he said.

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"I was pretty scared, but I did get up to my feet just out of pure adrenaline and run in front of traffic, in front of oncoming traffic to try and get away from them, which did work."

The BMW fled before police arrived. They're now working to identify those men to hear their side of the story.

Anyone who knows them is being urged to come forward.

The victim also warned other drivers.

"Definitely just be careful who you beep at, I guess, you know, sometimes it's not worth it," he said.

In his first opportunity at a UFC belt, Carlos Ulberg knew he only needed one shot.

Two people are in a critical condition after a five-car collision on the Monash Freeway in Melbourne.

The cars collided near the Stud Road off ramp just after 2pm police said.

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Five people were taken to hospital, including an adult and boy from one vehicle who are in a critical condition.

The boy was rushed to the Royal Children's Hospital and the woman in her 40's taken to The Alfred.

Both have injuries to their upper bodies.

All out-bound lanes and one in-bound lane of the Monash Freeway are closed.

Police are investigating.

Kylee Kast had to evacuate as Cyclone Vaianu’s winds suddenly intensified.

Ōhope and coastal Thornton residents have been ordered to evacuate.

‘I let my anger get the better of me,’ Ethan Phillips told a court.