A man is in a serious condition at the Royal Hobart Hospital after receiving burns in a “suspected spontaneous explosion” at Nyrstar Zinc Works on Sunday.
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Police were called to an industrial accident at Nyrstar in Lutana at 1am on Sunday.
Tasmania Ambulance Service and Tasmania Police attended the scene and found a 34-year-old male employee had sustained serious burns to his body as a result of a suspected spontaneous explosion.
He was working in the electrolysis department.
The Howrah man was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital and is undergoing treatment.
He was in a critical condition on Sunday morning, before being downgraded to a serious condition in the afternoon.
Nobody else was injured in the incident.
In a statement, Nyrstar confirmed it would conduct its own investigation.
“There is nothing Nyrstar places higher value on than the health and safety of its employees and support is being provided for employees and the family of the injured worker,” the statement said.
“Work Safe have been informed and are on site.
“Nyrstar is working closely with all relevant authorities in addition to its own investigation.”
Nyrstar Zinc Works is a large-scale zinc smelter which, according to its website, has a capacity of 280,000 tonnes.
Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
