Truck Collision Causes Explosion on Bruce Highway

A fatal crash occurred early Friday morning on Queensland's Bruce Highway when a utility collided with a semi-trailer carrying 42 tons of ammonium nitrate, resulting in a significant explosion. The driver of the utility died at the scene, while the truck driver was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries. An emergency alert was issued, prompting the evacuation of approximately 50 residents from Bororen, and a 2.5 km exclusion zone was established due to hazardous materials and fire. The explosion, which created a blast radius of 500 meters, damaged the road and could lead to closures lasting several days. Authorities are conducting safety assessments, and while the immediate area is deemed safe for responders, investigations into the crash's cause are ongoing. The Bruce Highway is a crucial route, and its closure is expected to significantly disrupt travel between Brisbane and northern regions.