Truck drivers ‘miraculously’ emerge nearly unscathed from explosions and fire after Hume Highway truck crash

Six trucks – including one carrying eight tonnes of butane cans – destroyed at NSW rest stop near Breadalbane, police say

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Police say it is “nothing short of a miracle” that six truck drivers emerged relatively unscathed after an explosive crash involving semi-trailers carrying tonnes of flammable materials on a major New South Wales highway.

Two trucks appear to have collided when entering a roadside rest stop, police said, with one crashing into four other rigs just after 5am Tuesday on the Hume Highway near Breadalbane in the state’s southern tablelands.

One of the trucks was carrying eight tonnes of butane cans, resulting in multiple small explosions when fire crews arrived at the scene. Other trucks involved were carrying alcohol, resin and memory foam, which also fuelled the subsequent fire.

All six trucks were destroyed in the blaze, which has since been extinguished.

The six male truck drivers have now been accounted for, Acting Insp Vladimir Mijok said, and investigations into the crash were continuing.

“Emergency services were confronted with a fairly horrific scene this morning and due to the smoke and the flames, we weren’t able to get close enough, however, we’ve just confirmed now six trucks, and we do have six drivers with us as well,” he said.

“It is nothing short of a miracle that all six drivers managed to make it out and none of them with serious injuries either.”

The drivers suffered minor injuries and were treated by NSW ambulance crews, police said. Two were taken to Goulburn hospital for mandatory testing.

Fire and Rescue NSW deployed seven fire trucks to the scene, including two hazardous materials vehicles and up to 40 firefighters.

The Hume Highway remained closed in both directions as of 11am, with motorists advised to allow for than an hour for extra travel time for diversions through Canberra via the Federal and Barton highways.

Police said it may take some time to reopen the road, especially northbound lanes, given the extent of debris and potentially hazardous materials left in the wake of the crash.

A crime scene had been established and the crash investigation unit will assist with investigations.