Petrol explosion destroys trailers

Peter Chapman | 14th July 2009

The Pacific Highway was blocked for five hours as a result of this truck accident on Friday night. Sparks ignited hundreds of litres of petrol after the truck's tank before free from its bindings.

Frank Redward

PHOTOGRAPHER Frank Redward captured this amazing photo when he was one of the first on the scene last Friday night when a B-double caught fire at Dirty Creek Range on the Pacific Highway.

His picture reveals the dramatic scene as Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews attempted to put the fire out which had engulfed both trailers.

It's believed the fire started when the truck's fuel tank dropped to the ground and exploded.

The truck was heading off to the fruit markets with tonnes of capsicums and pumpkins.

At the height of the fire, an off-duty officer braved the heat and flames to enter the cab and check for the driver. He was relieved as the driver called out from behind him to say 'I'm okay mate'.

Diversions via the Orara Way were in place until the rig was salvaged and the scene cleaned up by RFS crews.