Carbon dioxide leak at Melbourne pork plant sends 24 to hospital
A carbon dioxide leak at a pork processing plant in Melbourne sent 24 workers to hospital on Monday. The incident happened just after midday at the JBS Australia facility in Derrimut. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after reports of exposure inside the building.
Fire Rescue Victoria arrived to find around 60 employees evacuated from the site. Many showed signs of carbon dioxide exposure, prompting immediate action. Firefighters wearing breathing gear entered the factory with gas detectors, confirming dangerously high readings of carbon dioxide.
The plant was secured after ventilation brought carbon dioxide levels down. All affected workers received medical treatment for carbon dioxide exposure. Authorities will likely investigate the cause of the leak in the coming days.
