Contractor injured in gas explosion at Northam Aquatic Centre

A contractor has suffered burns following a gas explosion at the new Northam Aquatic Centre located 100 kilometres north-east of Perth. 

The 31-year-old plumber sustained burns to his right arm, calf and thigh while installing two hot water systems within the centre’s changerooms. He was airlifted to Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment.

A spokesperson for developer Cooper and Oxley, (which was last year placed in administration), advised “the cause of the explosion is unknown at this stage", adding that the man was "treated at the site by emergency services before being transported to Perth.”

The firm said it was assisting WorkSafe with the investigation and that its thoughts were with the injured man.

Northam Shire President Chris Antonio added that “our primary concern is for the injured worker, his family and co-workers who may have witnessed the incident.”

The council advised that the changerooms had been cordoned off while authorities inspect the site and conduct their investigation. The rest of the construction site remains operational.

Antonio also advised that it is now a matter of waiting until all the relevant authorities have undertaken and reported on their investigations.

Designed to reinvigorate Northam's sport precinct, the new $6.2 million Northam Aquatic Centre is on target to open by January 2020.

Being built next to the Northam Recreation Centre, the new facility will include a 50 metre heated pool, leisure pools, waterslides, new changing facilities and barbeque areas.

Work is being undertaken by developers Cooper and Oxley with aquatic installations delivered by Commercial Aquatics Australia.