Four persons were hurt in a labor accident at the brand-new facilities of one of Queensland's most well-known brewing companies.
On Monday, shortly after 2:00 p.m., emergency services were called to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks' new location at Kay McDuff Drive in Thabeban after hearing claims of an explosion in the boiler room. According to the Queensland Ambulance Service, the men suffered facial burns, as reported by ABC News.
Four contractors were reportedly welding the pipework to link the boiler, which is not yet operational, when the gas explosion is thought to have happened, according to John McLean, chief executive of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.
According to McLean, the team members were taken to the hospital. He also said he couldn't know much about their injuries, but their thoughts and prayers were with the family.
McLean also said the site was a new facility and wasn't operational yet. Parts of the building are still being commissioned, and they are in the process of taking ownership and occupancy.
The location is still considered a crime scene, and according to McLean, the business is helping Worksafe Queensland with its investigation.
Three guys are in stable condition, and one is in serious condition at Bundaberg Hospital, where the men were transferred. The man is reportedly fighting respiratory injuries and is in a severe state.
Gas Explosions in Queensland
Gas explosions have occurred in Queensland, Australia, on a number of occasions. The Cairns LPG explosion in 1987 was the largest LPG disaster in Australia's history. It occurred at the Cairns gas works and resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to over 50 others.
Another one was the Ravenshoe Café explosion in 2015. This explosion occurred when a four-wheel-drive vehicle hit and punctured a gas cylinder outside a café in Ravenshoe. Two people were killed in the explosion, and over 20 others were injured.
There was also the Gold Coast cafe explosion in 2017 that occurred when two people were replacing gas bottles at a cafe on the Gold Coast. The explosion caused severe burns to both people, and they were taken to hospital in critical condition.
The causes of gas explosions in Queensland vary, but they often involve a combination of factors. A gas line or cylinder leak can allow gas to escape and build up in an area. If the gas is then ignited, it can cause an explosion.
Human error can also play a role in gas explosions. For example, if someone is not careful when working with gas, they can accidentally cause a leak or ignition.
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