Motorists warned as Bruce Highway reopens following truck crash that caused massive explosion

The Bruce Highway north of Bororen has been reopened following a horrific crash that claimed the life of a motorist on Friday.

The highway is now open to two lanes of traffic (northbound and southbound lanes) with a speed reduction to 60km/h and traffic management in place.

Road users have been told not to stop through the roadwork zone.

“General freight and PBS heavy vehicles can operate through this section of the Bruce Highway at pre-existing mass limits.

Class 1 Oversize Overmass heavy vehicle operators are not currently permitted on this section of road,” the Queensland Government said in a statement released on Tuesday.

“Motorists are reminded to observe all warning signs, speed restrictions, detours and traffic control directions in place.

“Removal of detour signage will be progressively removed across the road network in the area after the opening of the Bruce Highway.

“Permanent works at the incident site will continue.”

Transport Minister Bart Mellish thanked the state’s emergency services and called for more funding to make the highway safer.

“Safe access to the Bruce Highway north of Bororen has now been restored,” he said.

“I want to thank all the workers who helped make this possible, and all drivers for their patience over the last few days.

“I will continue to advocate for more funding to make the Bruce Highway safer and more resilient for all who rely on this critical connector.”

Footage showed the aftermath of the fatal collision early Friday morning, which involved a utility vehicle and a truck transporting 42.5 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, resulting in one fatality.

The driver of the ute died while the truck driver was pulled from his vehicle by bystanders, with injuries to his abdomen, legs, pelvis, head and arms.

Footage released by Queensland Police showed a decimated section of the highway. Locals and travellers are now warned that the section of the key corridor could be closed for days.

It is understood the B-double truck was on fire and leaking contents onto the road.

The crash in the rural town of Bororen occurred around 5am and a significant explosion followed later that morning just after 9.40am, reportedly heard over 50 kilometres away.

Residents in Bororen were told to leave immediately.

The small town in the Gladstone Region is approximately 400 kilometres north of Brisbane.

“A hazardous chemical incident has occurred on the Bruce Highway between Daisy Dell Road and Turkey Beach Road at Bororen,” a 9.45am emergency alert from Queensland Police last Friday read.

“A 2.5 kilometre exclusion zone is in place. Residents within the exclusion zone are advised to leave immediately.

“If you cannot leave, shelter indoors, and close your windows and doors, and turn off your airconditioning.”