TOXIC SCARE
Mystery leak puts 8 in hospital
EIGHT people were taken to hospital following a mystery health scare at VicRoads’ South Geelong depot yesterday.
All emergency services were called to the Fyans St building about 1pm after several staff noticed a burning smell and began to feel unwell.
It is understood some staff began to feel light-headed and developed sore throats.
CFA duty officer Archie Conroy said that six appliances responded after staff and customers were evacuated from the building.
Mr Conroy said firefighters conducted a thorough examination of the area but could not find a cause for the odour or related health issues. “We couldn’t find a cause of the contaminant or a substance that was causing the issue,” Mr Conroy said.
“The Lara HAZMAT was there doing testing — and nothing showed.”
A VicRoads spokeswoman confirmed the closure and advised any visitors who had been unwell to seek medical help.
“A small number of staff members have reported feeling unwell and have been taken to hospital as a precaution,” she said.
“Customers who visited the centre this morning should go their doctor if they are feeling unwell.”
Ambulance Victoria’s Lina Hawi said that a man in his 30s, three women in their 30s, three women in their 40s and a man in his 50s were taken to Geelong hospital for precautionary observation.
Another five people — two women and three men — were assessed at the scene with no obvious injuries.
All patients were expected to be released from hospital late yesterday.