- An unleaded petrol tank has exploded at a Cairns metal scrapyard, sparking fire
- At least two fire crews are desperately working to manage the raging blaze
- Businesses have been evacuated and police have declared emergency situation
Police have shut down a block and declared an emergency situation after an unleaded petrol tank exploded at a metal scrapyard in Cairns.
The explosion, which happened just before midday on Wednesday, left two people injured and sent thick black plumes of potentially poisonous smoke into the sky.
Dramatic footage from the Sims Metal recycling yard in Portsmith shows a number of fire crews desperately attempting to manage the out-of-control blaze.
Nearby businesses have been evacuated, and police have closed off an area enclosed by four streets surrounding the yard.
Tests are underway to determine the nature of the smoke.
Police are warning nearby residents – particularly those with respiratory issues – to stay inside and close their doors to stop the smoke from coming in.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman told the Cairns Post two people were being assessed on the scene for minor injuries.
One was suffering shock and the other was being treated for an injury.
