Glenorchy, Fraser Coast: Bruce Highway closed after fuel tanker carrying erupts in flames near Maryborough

A fuel tanker carrying almost 50,000 litres of petrol and diesel has caught fire on the Bruce Highway, forcing the closure of the major transport corridor in both directions.

Emergency services were called to Glenorchy, near Maryborough, about 2am Friday following reports of a tanker and a B-double alight.

Police made an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act at 2.22am, setting up a three-kilometre exclusion zone.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said the tanker was “well involved” when crews arrived. The truck had been hauling 20,000 litres of unleaded fuel in the front tank and 28,000 litres of diesel in the rear tank, The Courier Mail reported.

The declaration was lifted shortly after 5am but the highway remains shut, with authorities warning it will be some time before the road reopens. Trucks were left stranded as they were unable to turn around, and diversions remain in place.

Queensland’s ambulance confirmed the driver, identified as a male in his 30s was assessed with minor injuries and transported in a stable condition to Hervey Bay Hospital.

Paramedics from the Queensland Ambulance Service remained on standby at the scene.

Authorities are yet to confirm what caused the tanker to ignite, with the incident being treated as a traffic crash.

More to come...