shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > World News > Article > Radioactive capsule lost in Australia triggers search

Radioactive capsule lost in Australia triggers search

Updated on: 30 January,2023 10:12 AM IST  |  Perth
Agencies |

Emergency services said they were hampered by a lack of equipment and have called on the Commonwealth and other states to provide assistance

Radioactive capsule lost in Australia triggers search

Western Australian emergency services search for the lost radioactive capsule

Authorities in Western Australia were searching for a tiny but potentially deadly radioactive capsule that got lost while being transported on a truck from a mine to a depot in the city of Perth, officials said on Saturday. Emergency services said they were hampered by a lack of equipment and have called on the Commonwealth and other states to provide assistance.


What the capsule looks like. Pic/Twitter
What the capsule looks like. Pic/Twitter


The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has deployed teams with handheld radiation detection devices and metal detectors along 36 km (22 miles) of a busy freight route to look for the 8 mm by 6 mm (0.31 inches by 0.24 inches) unit. It is believed to have fallen off the back of a truck on a 1,400-km (870-mile) journey from the Rio Tinto mine in Newman to the Perth suburb of Malaga.


“What we’re not doing is trying to find a tiny little device by eyesight,” said Superintendent Darryl Ray, adding they were concentrating on populated areas north of Perth and strategic sites along the Great Northern Highway.

Also Read: Glenn Maxwell rues missing Test series v India

“We’re using the radiation detectors to locate the gamma rays,” he said. There are concerns the solid capsule may have already become lodged in another vehicle’s tyre and potentially be hundreds of km (miles) away from the search area. It is believed a screw became loose inside a large lead-lined gauge and the unit fell through a hole.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK