Bauhinia Queensland Gas Leak Sparks Massive Flames, Endangers Plant Operations

A significant incident unfolded in Bauhinia, Queensland, on Tuesday morning, as a ruptured gas line ignited a massive fire, raising concerns about the operation of multiple gas and coal plants in the area. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene in central Queensland, with firefighters and paramedics working tirelessly throughout the day to contain the raging flames. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries up to this point.

Video footage captured at the site depicts a towering blaze, stretching nearly twice the height of nearby trees. The affected gas line, spanning over 627 kilometers, serves as a crucial conduit for transporting up to 145 terajoules of gas from the Wallumbilla gas hub to various industrial users in Gladstone and Rockhampton. While the closest plant to the rupture is located in neighboring Oombabeer, other facilities such as Rollerstone may also experience disruptions.

Moreover, numerous industrial plants along the route toward Gladstone and Rockhampton heavily rely on this gas line for their operations. Among these are Queensland Nitrates, Queensland Magnesia Facility, Queensland Alumina Limited Refinery, Boyne Smelters, Rio Tinto Yarwun Refinery, and Orica Yarwun. An inspector from Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is currently on-site, conducting assessments and launching an investigation into the incident.

Jemena, the company entrusted with managing the pipeline and others across Australia, has released statements acknowledging the potential impact of the rupture on residential gas supply. To safeguard nearby residents and workers, an exclusion zone has been established around the affected area as a precautionary measure. Efforts are underway to isolate the damaged section of the pipeline, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to mitigate further risks.

Earlier today, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) received notification regarding a gas leak occurring near Bauhinia.

Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) operates as an independent regulator, overseeing worker safety and health within Queensland's mining, quarrying, petroleum, gas, and explosives sectors. The primary mission of RSHQ revolves around protecting the well-being of workers and the broader community impacted by activities related to resources operations and explosives utilization.

As the autonomous regulator in this sector, RSHQ is entrusted with supervising the enforcement of safety and health laws applicable to Queensland's resources industries. This includes monitoring compliance with regulations and standards aimed at safeguarding workers and mitigating risks associated with resource extraction and processing activities.

RSHQ works collaboratively with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and other relevant parties to promote a culture of safety and responsibility in Queensland's resources sectors. Through regulatory oversight, education, and enforcement measures, RSHQ strives to ensure that workplaces are safe and healthy environments for all workers, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses.