Source: Adelaide Now
An ammonia explosion at a Port Lincoln tuna factory run by Makybe Diva owner Tony Santic has evacuated businesses within in a three-kilometer radius.
Emergency crews were called to Tony’s Tuna, owned by racing identity Santic, just before 2.30pm after reports an explosion had destroyed a shed.
Police closed the surrounding area evacuating local businesses including West Coat Dismantlers and Hi-Fert fertilizer. Traffic was stopped along Pine Freezer Rd and Proper Bay Rd.
Fire Officer John Wise said one of 16 cylinders of ammonia had ruptured due to heat. “The pressure has built up in the heat, it has expanded and forced the top off the cylinder, and like a balloon, has just pushed it around the 8m by 4m shed and blown the shed apart,†he said. “If there had been people in the vicinity, no doubt they would have been killed, it really has blown apart the shed,†he said.
HazMat crews were working to disperse the gas which was moving down-wind towards Proper Bay.
Fire Crews in breathing apparatus and contamination suits worked with high-pressure lines to cool the remaining cylinders.
“That’s all we are trying to do, just cool these down,†Mr. Wise said.
Cordons are expected to remain in place for several hours while the air is monitored for contamination levels.
Mr. Santic was out fishing at the time of the explosion.
No injuries were reported.
It is not known if there were any staff on the premises at the time of the explosion.
SafeWorkSA will investigate the accident.
