Fire fighters report preventing a potentially catastrophic explosion after a gas main ruptured and caught ablaze on Darley Street Manly this morning.
An Ausgrid employee sustained minor burns as a result of the fire, which broke out on Darley Road, near Ashburner Street, around 10.45am. We understand the man may have accidentally caused the rupture while undertaking work underground. Manly Observer shared footage of the fire as firefighters arrived on scene this morning.
He was checked over by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital for further treatment to his face and hands.
A dozen local FRNSW firefighters worked for two-and-a-half hours to cool adjoining utilities services.
They didn’t attempt to extinguish the fire as this would have allowed uncontrolled gas to escape and possibly trigger an explosive re-ignition.
Gas supplies have since been shut-off and residual gas has burnt-out.
Gas company technicians will now further assess and repair the damaged line.
Darley Road remains closed while operations continue.
Manly Observer contacted Jemena Gas Operations for comment.
This is the second such occasion in recent history; with a similar gas fire further up the hill about three years ago.
Darley Road has faced repeated partial closures and traffic interruptions for several months due to complex repair work managed by Ausgrid, an electricity (not gas) distributor.
When asked in August why the road works had extensive, a spokesperson said it was a complex project requiring significant replacement of cables.
“Ausgrid is currently upgrading complex underground cable infrastructure in and around Darley Road, Manly, to improve reliability and reduce future outages. We have been working with other utility suppliers, locals, and traffic management teams to minimise disruption to residents and foot traffic throughout the project, which should be completed by November this year.”
