Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre has been evacuated after rooftop solar panels caught fire forcing the evacuation of thousands of students from the state high school swimming championships.
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Around 2500 people were in the centre at the time for the NSWCHSSA Swimming and Diving Championships when the panels caught fire at around 12.16pm on May 13.
NSW Fire and Rescue spokesperson Guy Lightfoot said fire and rescue crews attended the centre to find "black smoke issuing from the roof of the aquatic centre".
"Crews got to work on the roof with the hose line and breathing apparatus, we also deployed an aerial appliance," he said.
"On the roof they found solar panels alight, which they then switched off.
"The damage was confined to some roof panels and solar panels."
Mr Lightfoot said one person was injured during the evacuation after slipping and was transported to hospital in an ambulance.
The aquatic centre is expected to be closed for some time as the roof is repaired.
NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association wrote on a Facebook post small groups have been allowed to enter the centre to collect personal belongings.
"It is foreseen that competition will not resume until Tuesday 14 May 2024, this will be confirmed with competitors, parents/carers and school staff in due course," the post read.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
