Two Hospitalised After Hazardous Chemical Incident at Dunedin Airport

Two workers were taken to Dunedin Hospital following a hazardous chemical reaction involving sulphuric acid and hyperstat chloride at the airport's treatment plant.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 4:50 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Incident: A Dangerous Mix

The emergency began at approximately 11:50 am when two chemicals were inadvertently mixed together in a container. According to a FENZ spokesperson, the reaction involved:

Two litres of hyperstat chloride (commonly used for disinfection).

Three litres of sulphuric acid.

The resulting reaction caused injuries to two staff members on-site. St John confirmed that both individuals were transported to Dunedin Hospital in a moderate condition.

Emergency Response and Containment