A significant emergency response was triggered at the medium-security Lara Prison on Thursday morning following a hazardous leak from an oxygen tank.
Emergency Services Rush to the Scene
Firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria and paramedics from Ambulance Victoria were dispatched to the correctional facility on Baccus Marsh Road just after 11:30 am. The incident involved a leak from a large, industrial-sized oxygen cylinder within the prison grounds.
Authorities treated the situation with extreme caution due to the potential risks associated with a high-pressure oxygen leak, including the heightened danger of fire. As a precautionary measure, a section of the prison was evacuated to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.
Containment and All-Clear
Fire crews worked swiftly to secure the area and manage the leaking cylinder. Their efforts were successful in containing the hazard. After assessing the scene, emergency services confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the wider community.
Importantly, no serious injuries were reported as a result of the incident. A spokesperson for Corrections Victoria confirmed that all personnel and prisoners were accounted for and safe following the emergency procedures.
Response and Investigation
The incident required a multi-agency response, highlighting the protocols in place for such emergencies at secure facilities. While the immediate danger was resolved quickly, the event caused considerable disruption within the prison's operations for a period.
The exact cause of the leak is now under investigation by the prison authorities. The investigation will focus on determining how the oxygen tank became compromised and reviewing the handling procedures for such medical or industrial gases on-site.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complex operational challenges within correctional facilities and the constant readiness required from emergency services to respond to a wide variety of potential hazards.
