A truck driver probably saved the lives of six decks of cattle, as well as those of fellow truckies and himself in Longreach on Tuesday night, after a fire in the wheel housing of his prime mover caused his fuel tanks to explode.
Loud explosions shook the western Queensland town at about 7.50pm when a malfunction occurred in the wheel housing of a triple road train operated by Grants as it was driving eastbound through the town.
According to local police inspector Mark Henderson, either a brake failure or a tyre blowout could have started a fire.
“The driver managed to pull the vehicle off to the side of the road and disconnect his six decks,” Mr Henderson said. “Having done that, he’s lost two fuel tanks that exploded.”
Mr Henderson described the driver as “a bit of a hero” for persevering in disconnecting his prime mover from the trailers and driving it forward, in the face of flames that were clearly visible.
“He has saved his own life, the cattle and probably the trucks that also pulled up close by to help him by disconnecting and starting the extinguishment.”
Fire services were quickly on the scene to finish putting the fire out.
No stock were lost, and another prime mover was brought in to move the trailers.
The Landsborough Highway was closed until around 8.45pm.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
