A TRUCK driver has been airlifted to Toowoomba with critical burns following a truck rollover that resulted in a “catastrophic explosion” last night on the Mitchell Highway, 30 kilometres south of Charleville.
The explosion of the truck's load of 53 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was thought to be linked to a 2.0 magnitude earthquake event at 10.12pm on Friday south of the site, but Geoscience Australia said they were independent events.
It's reported that eight people were injured in the blast, including the driver - four emergency services workers, one police officer and two witnesses who were attending the accident scene were also hurt.
Officer in charge at the Charleville Police Station, senior sergeant Adrian Rieck, told Queensland Country Life that the ammonium nitrate ignited “due to unforseen reasons” shortly after the initial rollover, which occurred at 10pm.
“That resulted in a catastrophic explosion and that caused significant damage to the highway making it impassable,” he said.
“It literally destroyed the road.”
Sergeant Rieck said all emergency services were called to the initial rollover and were in attendance when the explosion occurred. It is understood the explosion was heard as far away as Charleville.
He said several fire officers along with two other truck drivers who had stopped to assist were also injured in the explosion.
“The explosion invoked a full disaster response,” he said.
“Two fire officers were also airlifted to Toowoomba hospital with serious but stable injuries.
“Two other fire officers were released with non-serious injuries and the two other good Samaritans who had stopped to assist were also released without major injuries.”
Sergeant Rieck said the actions of all involved should be commended.
“We literally had 53 tonnes of ammonia nitrate go off – it was like having a 53 tonne bomb explode and those people who went into assist without fear for their lives should be commended,” he said.
Sergeant Rieck said the Mitchell Highway would be closed “indefinitely” and he urged motorists to avoid the area.
“We would urge all persons to avoid the area,” he said.
“If they are traveling between Cunnamulla and Charleville they need to seek alternative routes and they need to think ahead in terms of taking those alternative routes in relation to fuel stops.”
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash and investigations are continuing.
Penelope Arthur
Journalist for Queensland Country Life at Roma.
Journalist for Queensland Country Life at Roma.
