[Gerard M]

RAAF Hercules makes emergency landing in north Queensland

AAP
February 17, 2009 04:17pm

AN RAAF Hercules transporting parts of a treatment plant to a flood-bound town fast running out of drinking water has made an emergency landing in north Queensland after a chemical leak on board.
The incident occurred at 10.30am (AEDT) today while the C-130 was taking relief supplies to flood-ravaged Karumba in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Karumba residents are surviving on bottled water after the main pipeline burst.

Flooding has made it difficult to repair the pipeline and the Government made available a portable treatment plant.

The Hercules air crew detected a strong smell of chlorine in the cargo bay shortly after takeoff from RAAF Base Townsville.

The pilots declared an emergency to air traffic control, while air crew deployed oxygen equipment to the 10 people on board.

"During the flight, a passenger and a loadmaster were affected by the fumes," a defence spokesperson said.

"The smell was investigated by the aircraft's loadmaster and flight engineer, and was believed to have emanated from the chemical stores being carried."


Upon return to Townsville, the aircraft was met by emergency services and all passengers and crew were taken to an RAAF medical facility for health assessment.

Emergency services, including three ambulances and a hazardous materials team, are still on site while an exclusion zone remains in place around aircraft.

The aircraft was carrying a flat-bed truck as well as chemicals and stores for the water treatment plant.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,25068488-1248,00.html