Evacuation ordered after massive explosion

A massive factory fire which broke out in Melbourne’s west following a large chemical explosion is expected to burn for several days.

Fire and Rescue Victoria (FRV) confirmed 180 firefighters responded to the factory fire in Derrimut after a “large chemical explosion” earlier on Wednesday morning.

Crews arrived at the Swann Dr scene about 11.20am, with specialist appliances and air appliances also deployed to the out-of-control blaze.

Fire Rescue Victoria deputy commissioner Michelle Cowling said embers, liquid fuel and the scale of the fire and warehouse are proving a challenge for crews who are working to bring the blaze under control.

“We estimate we’re going to be here a couple of days because of the fuel load in this factory,” she said according to 9News. 

“We can’t get in close enough to cool this fire down. It will have to be pulled apart.”

Ms Crowling said there are 44 gallon drums containing multiple types of fuel, which are exploding, launching into the air and landing outside the fire perimeter.

FRV have requested an evacuation along Swann Drive to Bliss Court as hazardous material and unknown toxins are reportedly burning.

A ‘Watch and Act’ has also been issued for Albion, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine, Sunshine West, Tottehnham and Truganina.

The FRV has advised people in the area affected by smoke to take shelter indoors immediately.

Thick, black smoke can be seen billowing across the sky as crews work to contain the blaze.

Smoke has reportedly begun to spread to Melbourne CBD as wind changes push smoke south.

A community advice warning has been issued for Albion, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine, Sunshine West, Tottenham, Truganina.

Additional appliances are being deployed to the scene, as crews work to attack the fire, a FRV spokesperson said.

A Victoria Police spokesman said at this time there have been no reports of injuries.

“It is believed everyone inside the premises evacuated safely.

“Traffic in the area is expected to be impacted for some time with Swann Drive closed as well as westbound traffic on the Deer Park bypass being stopped for safety.”

All lanes of the Western Freeway remain closed in both directions between the M80 Ring Rd and Ballarat Rd.

The major freeway is expected to remain closed throughout the afternoon peak period.

The Department of Transport is advising motorists to keep their windows closed as they commute through the area.

Ambulance Victoria said crews arrived on the scene about 11.15am.

“Crews are currently on scene providing health monitoring, no-one has been transported to hospital at this stage,” a spokesman said.

The blaze comes less than a year after a man was killed in a factory fire in the same street.

The body of the 44-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was found inside the building following the chemical explosion in October.