Preschoolers evacuated after 5000 litres of chemicals spilled in Cudal | Photos

Early in the afternoon emergency services were called to Main Street where a 5000-litre tank containing sodium hypochlorite – a chlorine compound often used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent – and other chemicals had spilled onto the village’s main thoroughfare.

NSW Fire and Rescue crews, along with police, ambulance and NSW Rural Fire Service personnel, acted to clean up the liquids and evacuate nearby residents.

MAP: Where the incident occurred …

Crews from Molong, Orange and Bathurst wearing fully-encapsulated chemical suits managed to plug the leak before turning their attention to mopping up the liquid on and near the road.

They were somewhat hampered in their efforts by severe weather conditions, with lightning, rain and high wind in the area.

At least 15 people were evacuated from their homes, along with a further 40 pupils from the nearby preschool, to the Cudal Bowling Club.

Two people working at the site when the spill occurred were treated by NSW Ambulance crews for minor breathing difficulties.

The road was closed and detours were in place until about 6pm.