Violent Explosion Rocks Sydney’s St Marys Fire, Leaving Two Firefighters Injured

A catastrophic explosion at a chemical recycling facility in Sydney’s west has been described as a "once in a career" type of event by Fire and Rescue NSW officials. The blast occurred at a facility on Kurrajong Street in North St Marys, sparking intense flames and sending debris flying over 100 meters into the sky.

The fire broke out late Saturday night, and as firefighters battled the massive blaze, the explosion erupted, showering them with chunks of concrete, bricks, and other debris. Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell described the event as unprecedented, saying, "I have never seen anything like that, to that degree. Some of our firefighters, with nearly forty years of experience, said they had never witnessed such a large explosion."

More than 50 fire units and hundreds of firefighters from across Western Sydney rushed to the scene just before 11pm. Despite their swift response, the fire spread rapidly, eventually causing a violent eruption. The explosion blew out the walls of the neighboring businesses and scattered debris across the area, adding to the chaos.

Two firefighters suffered skin irritations from chemicals that leaked through their protective gloves, but fortunately, their injuries were minor, and they did not require hospitalization. "The real miracle was that all of our people were able to stay safe through that very intense explosion," said Commissioner Fewtrell.

By the afternoon, the facility had been destroyed, though firefighters managed to save some of the nearby property. The fire continued to smolder, sending thick, dark smoke into the sky.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with fire investigators, NSW Police, and the Environment Protection Agency all involved. "Over the coming days, we'll be piecing together the evidence to determine how this fire started," Commissioner Fewtrell said.

Hazardous materials crews remain on-site to secure any remaining chemicals and ensure the safety of the area. The explosion has left many questioning the potential risks of such incidents at industrial facilities.