Fuel tanker driver killed in horror head-on crash near Blackbutt identified as beloved father-of-two

The trucking community is in mourning for two of its own after they were both killed in a head-on collision.

Adam Hopf, a 50-year-old father of two from southeast Queensland, was one of two drivers killed when his fuel tanker collided head-on with another heavy truck on the D’Aguilar Hwy near Nukku, west of the Sunshine Coast.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Two truck drivers die in a head-on collision in the South Burnett.

The impact, which happened about 5.40am on Thursday, was described by police as “catastrophic”.

Both vehicles were engulfed in flames when emergency services got there and it took firefighters an hour and a half to bring the fire under control.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved.

A 1km exclusion zone was declared due to the volatile nature of the fuel Hopf was transporting.

Westlink Petroleum, the company Hopf worked with for years, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement.

“With great sadness, we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Adam (Hoffy) Hopf, who was tragically taken from us in a traffic accident,” managing director Danny Kreutzer said.

“Our much-loved driver was a father of two. He was immensely proud of being a truck driver and was one of the best operators you could have on our roads.”

Hopf had spent years delivering fuel to farms, machinery yards, and rural stations across southeast Queensland.

His face was a familiar one in small towns, where locals said he’d show up with a smile, a chat, and always took the time to connect.

“He was deeply respected across the fuel industry and held in the highest regard by all who knew him,” Kreutzer added.

“We are devastated by this loss. Our hearts and thoughts are with the family, friends, and work colleagues of both drivers, as well as everyone involved.”

Westlink, a family-owned operation servicing southeast and western Queensland and parts of northern NSW, has offered counselling to staff and is assisting authorities with the ongoing crash investigation.

While investigators continue to piece together the cause of the crash, communities across rural Queensland are remembering “Hoffy the fuel man”.

On Facebook, hundreds of people have shared their grief, from farmers and former colleagues to cafe workers who knew the truck driver from his travels.

“My boys were always so excited when Hoffy arrived with our on-farm fuel delivery,” Sarah Kiem wrote.

“He never failed to take the time to show them the truck and explain what he was doing.

“Those little moments meant the world to them.

“From my sons: ‘Hoffy was nothing short of a truck-driving superhero’ — and that’s exactly how we’ll remember him.”

Others recalled how they’d regularly pass Hopf on the roads and wave, or looked forward to his cheerful chats at their local fuel stop.

“He will be missed by many. We will miss your smiling face and banter whenever you came and delivered fuel to our farm,” said Kerrilee Gordon.

“One of the nicest blokes I ever had the privilege of working with,” added Adrian Ramke.

Kerri VanScherpenseel, a local cafe owner, said mornings won’t be the same without him.

“My mornings were made with every visit from Adam to get his coffee. Until we meet again, Adam.”

The fatal collision occurred on a notoriously narrow stretch of the D’Aguilar Hwy near Blackbutt, where roadworks and traffic delays have long frustrated heavy vehicle operators.

Queensland Police have not determined the cause of the crash, and both vehicles are being examined as part of a comprehensive forensic investigation.