Police say a serious multi-truck crash on the Hume Highway in rural New South Wales destroys at least six semi-trailers and triggers a large fire with explosions. The crash occurs just after 5am on Tuesday near Breadalbane, in the southern tablelands, when two trucks appear to collide as they enter a roadside rest stop. One truck then strikes multiple other rigs, with sources describing a total of up to seven trailers involved.
Reports say the vehicles were carrying flammable or combustible goods. One truck is carrying about eight tonnes of butane cans, and when fire crews arrive, the butane leads to multiple small explosions. Other trucks involved carry hazardous or combustible loads, including alcohol, resin and memory foam, which contribute to the intensity and spread of the fire.
Accounts differ on injury details: some reports describe drivers escaping without serious injuries, while others report multiple injuries and that one driver is unaccounted for. Emergency services close the highway while responders tackle the fire and investigate the cause of the collision.
