Longford Gas Explosion On 25 September 1998, there was an explosion at the Esso natural gas plant at Longford in Gippsland. Two workers were killed and eight injured. The Esso Longford gas explosion was a catastrophic industrial accident which occurred at the Esso natural gas plant at Longford in the Australian state of Victoria's Gippsland region. On 25 September 1998, an explosion took place at the plant, killing two workers and injuring … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1998, there was an explosion at the Esso natural gas plant at Longford in Gippsland