Above: Firefighters from Hallam CFA wore chemical-resistant splash suits when they contained the spill.By Rebecca Fraser
CHEMICALS sprayed on to the road last week when three cars collided in Narre Warren.
The accident, at the intersection of Fullard and Narre Warren-Cranbourne roads, occurred when a Toyota ute and two turning cars collided about 1pm.
The ute had one 200-litre tank and two 25-litre drums of pesticide on its rear tray. Both drums broke on impact, causing the chemicals to spill on to the road.
Lieutenant Paul Hardy of Narre Warren CFA said the car also hit a traffic signal pole, exposing live wires.
Hazardous material specialists from Hallam CFA and two firefighters dressed in chemical-resistant splash suits and breathing apparatus helped clear the spill.
Mr Hardy said it took three hours to cordon off the area and contain the spill and a representative from VicRoads came out to repair the traffic light.
The accident occurred just 200 metres from Narre Warren CFA, prompting a quick response.
Mr Hardy said the CFA sought advice from the Environment Protection Authority before containing the spill with dry earth to make sure it did not enter drains.
Sergeant Pat McGavigan of Casey Traffic Management Unit said three people were taken to hospital following the collision, all with minor injuries.
He said the 61-year-old man driving the Toyota ute was taken to Maroondah Hospital for treatment.
A 35-year-old Berwick man was taken to Dandenong Hospital and a 53-year-old woman from Hampton Park was taken to Casey Hospital.
Sgt McGavigan said the 61-year-old would now be charged with failing to obey a red light. Mr Hardy praised the efforts of all firefighters at the scene.
“It was a great effort by all on scene, especially with the incident happening at such a busy intersection and all crews should be commended for a job well done,” he said.
