Newcastle Herald Covers Evacuation After Garbage Truck Fire in Charlestown
Newcastle Herald: Scary Blaze Evacuates Alto Apartments
Residents of Alto Apartments at Charlestown experienced a frightening evacuation after a garbage truck erupted in flames on Friday morning. The incident occurred in a loading dock on Hopetoun Street around 7.56 AM. A total of six fire trucks and 24 firefighters responded swiftly to extinguish the fire.
Witness Accounts
Local resident Vicki Clement reported smelling smoke before the fire alarm sounded. “It just kept getting stronger and stronger,” she said, recalling the smell of burning fuel permeating her apartment. “I was like, 'Is this truck going to blow up?'” she expressed, worried about the truck's full of petrol during the frightening incident.
- The garbage truck was full of rubbish, complicating the firefighting efforts.
- Clement noticed flames burst out towards the cab after initially seeing it smoldering.
- Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked diligently to contain the blaze.
Ongoing Investigation
A spokesman from Fire and Rescue NSW informed the Newcastle Herald that the driver likely escaped unharmed, and they are investigating what caused the fire. “At this stage, it is unclear what started the fire,” he noted, suggesting it might be due to inappropriate items in the garbage.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.