Townsville,QLD – Five Australia Post staff members were hospitalized Tuesday after a chemical leak at postal facilities in Charters Towers and Townsville,Queensland. All five have since been discharged from hospital after experiencing minor irritations.
Authorities are investigating the source of the leak, which was identified as a hazardous insecticide. The incidents prompted responses from the Queensland Fire Department and Queensland Police.
“The safety of our team members is our number one priority and Australia Post has strong, well-established safety protocols around these incidents,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.
The first incident occurred at the Australia Post site in Charters Towers. Shortly after, a similar leak was reported in Townsville.
Acting Townsville Station Officer Lee Burke confirmed the chemical involved was a hazardous insecticide while conducting urgent testing at the scene.
“We remind all customers of the vital safety regulations in place around the sending of hazardous, prohibited and restricted goods,” the Australia Post spokesperson added.
The Queensland Fire Department is considering whether to refer the matter to Queensland Police for further investigation.