The company that was transporting radioactive material involved in a truck accident near Gloucester yesterday, advises that the containers were not breached, and all radioactivity was contained.
NSW Police advise that just after 4.45pm on Tuesday 8 November 2016, emergency services were called to The Thunderbolts Way, Giro (near Gloucester), following reports of a truck crash.
Police advise the truck hit an embankment and three canisters fell onto the road, which was closed in both directions while emergency services including HAZMAT crews from Fire & Rescue NSW attended.
Police further advise the driver was a 29-year-old woman, who was treated at the scene by paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to Gloucester Hospital.
Emergency services confirmed the driver was not exposed to any radiation.
The material in question was spent Cobalt-60 gauges, which are used by industry to perform density measurements.
They were being sent to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), who originally manufactured the sources, for safe storage.
The material was packaged by, and transported by, a radiation consultancy called SGS RSS, and, in line with design and testing, the packages were not breached, and therefore no radioactive material was released.
The material has all been accounted for and remains under the control and responsibility of the company SGS RSS. It is expected to be received by ANSTO in due course.
We understand that Police inquiries are continuing into this matter, and ANSTO is available to lend its expertise if required or requested.
Media contact: Phil McCall 0438 619 987
Published: 09/11/2016