Six trucks, including one carrying eight tonnes of butane cans, were destroyed in a fiery crash on the Hume Highway near Breadalbane in New South Wales early Tuesday morning. Police say it is 'nothing short of a miracle' that all six drivers escaped with only minor injuries.
Crash details
Two trucks appear to have collided when entering a roadside rest stop just after 5am. One truck then crashed into four other rigs. The vehicles were carrying flammable materials including butane, alcohol, resin, and memory foam, which fuelled the subsequent fire and caused multiple small explosions when fire crews arrived.
'Emergency services were confronted with a fairly horrific scene this morning,' Acting Inspector Vladimir Mijok said. 'Due to the smoke and the flames, we weren’t able to get close enough, however, we’ve just confirmed now six trucks, and we do have six drivers with us as well.'
Injuries and response
The six male drivers suffered minor injuries and were treated by NSW Ambulance crews. Two were taken to Goulburn Hospital for mandatory testing. Fire and Rescue NSW deployed seven fire trucks, including two hazardous materials vehicles, and up to 40 firefighters to the scene.
'It is nothing short of a miracle that all six drivers managed to make it out and none of them with serious injuries either,' Mijok added.
Road closures and investigation
The Hume Highway remained closed in both directions as of 11am, with motorists advised to allow more than an hour for extra travel time via the Federal and Barton highways through Canberra. Police said it may take some time to reopen the road, especially northbound lanes, due to debris and hazardous materials. A crime scene has been established, and the crash investigation unit will assist with inquiries.
