community - 2026-11-05

Worker injured as roadworks machine strikes gas main in Balgowlah

Source: www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au

A roadworks machine struck a gas main beneath New Street West in Balgowlah on Thursday, 5 November, injuring its driver and prompting firefighters to tell nearby residents to close their windows and shelter indoors. The fire, near Kareema Street, required crews to manage burning gas, damaged machinery and a diesel leak while the gas supply was being isolated.

A roadworks machine struck a gas main beneath New Street West in Balgowlah on Thursday, 5 November, injuring its driver and prompting firefighters to tell nearby residents to close their windows and shelter indoors. The fire, near Kareema Street, required crews to manage burning gas, damaged machinery and a diesel leak while the gas supply was being isolated. Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance were called just before 8.45am. Manly firefighters arrived first and found an asphalt milling machine had hit the main while removing the road surface for resurfacing works being carried out by Northern Beaches Council contractors. Surrounding streets were already closed to traffic, with diversions in place. The gas main was reportedly correctly mapped, but its depth was incorrectly indicated. The 27-year-old driver escaped as flames engulfed the machine. NSW Ambulance Supervisor Paul Nightingale, who arrived from nearby Balgowlah Ambulance Station, assessed him and found superficial burns to his face, singed hair and minor burns to the backs of his hands. He was treated at the scene before being taken to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition shortly after 10.30am....