Newcastle: Radioactive device found in burnt-out car at Merewether Golf Club, Adamstown
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A radioactive device located in a burnt out car causes the emergency evacuation of the inhabitants of the suburbs
- A radioactive tool was left in a burnt-out car
- It does not appear to be damaged or leaking
- An exclusion zone has been set up
Firefighters have created an exclusion zone in the middle of a major city after a radioactive device was found in a burnt-out car.
Fire and Rescue NSW responded to calls after the stolen car was abandoned in the middle of the course at Merewether Golf Club in Adamstown, Newcastle on Tuesday evening.
However, when officers tracked down the owner on Wednesday morning, they said they had left a moisture density measuring tool with a radioactive gauge inside the vehicle.
Firefighters and hazmat experts created a 100m exclusion zone around the vehicle while operations began to assess the gauge.
A burnt-out car with a radioactive tool inside was left on the Merewether Golf Club course (above)
“All people in the area have been evacuated for safety reasons,” FRNSW tweeted.
Initial tests with standard radiation readers show the tool is at its usual radiation level and does not appear to be damaged, but specialized equipment is on its way to the scene.
Once the assessment is complete, the tool will either be removed from the scene and safely disposed of or, if undamaged, returned to the owner.
A FRNSW spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the radiation was “stable and contained” with firefighters following expert advice – including the Environmental Protection Authority.
More soon.