Emergency services are desperately searching for a driver missing after a horror seven-truck crash that closed a major highway. Police believe two trucks collided while travelling northbound along the Hume Highway in Breadalbane, about 32km southwest of Goulburn, about 5am on Tuesday.
Both vehicles then smashed into five more trucks parked at the Windmills Rest Area, sparking a major inferno. “Explosions” were reported as the blaze tore through the “flammable contents within the vehicles” and destroyed all seven trucks.
Toxic cargo and explosions
“One truck was carrying eight tonnes of butane cans, another was transporting resin, a third contained memory foam and a fourth was packed with alcohol, fuelling the resulting fire and explosions,” Fire and Rescue NSW said. Paramedics arrived soon after and treated six male drivers for minor injuries, two of which have also been taken to hospital for mandatory testing. The driver of the seventh truck “remains unaccounted for at this stage”, police said.
A 300m exclusion zone is in place around the crash site, which closed the highway as about 40 firefighters raced to the scene. The blaze was eventually extinguished but could still be seen smouldering about midday, raising concerns for locals.
Health warnings over toxic smoke
Fire Rescue NSW Chief Superintendent Stephen Hirst told 7NEWS the smoke is believed to “contain formaldehyde”. Even limited exposure to formaldehyde can cause burning sensations in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs or even allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure, however, can be fatal as it causes throat spasms or fluid building up in the lungs. “We’re working diligently within that smoke, decontaminating ourselves and our equipment as we go,” Hirst said.
The highway will remain closed as specialist firefighting equipment and police investigators are taken to the scene. Motorists have been urged to instead use the Federal and Barton Highways through Canberra, a detour which could take about 80 minutes of extra travel time.
