Port Kembla Stack Demolished

Port Kembla Stack Demolished

Just in case you missed it on Thursday 20th February, the iconic Port Kembla copper stack has been demolished in front of thousands of people who gathered to watch the explosion.

The 200-metre-high chimney, built from about 7,000 tonnes of concrete, bricks and steel, was brought down in a controlled explosion.

A huge cloud of dust rose after the stack landed. 

Nearly 1,000 explosives charges were placed around the stack, which broke into at least two pieces just before hitting the ground.

A 300-metre exclusion zone was put in place for safety reasons before the sequenced detonation and about 250 residents were evacuated.

Many in the large crowd cheered as the chimney fell and the demolition was also a hit on social media.

The structure had served not just as a chimney but also a marine navigation tool and tourist attraction since its construction in 1965.

 

Watch the stack coming down here. http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/port-kembla-smoke-stack-demolished/xgk74f7