The Bruce Highway was brought to a standstill after a petrol tanker carrying 48,000 litres of fuel caught fire near Owanyilla, between Tiaro and Maryborough, in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Incident

The B-double tanker was hauling separate loads of unleaded petrol and diesel when the fire broke out. Fire crews from both urban and rural brigades worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control. Despite the intensity of the fire, which destroyed the vehicle and consumed both tanks, there were no fatalities. One man in his 30s was treated for minor injuries and taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Authorities declared an emergency zone around the site while the fire was contained and clean-up operations began. The tanker remains were left at the scene to be cleared with specialist equipment, and the highway closure created long delays for heavy vehicles unable to turn around.

Environmental and Safety Response

The Environmental Protection Authority was dispatched to assess the impact of the fuel spill and assist with the clean-up. While no surrounding structures or vehicles were damaged, the fire highlighted just how quickly an incident involving flammable liquids can escalate, even when contained to a single vehicle.

Wider Concerns on Fuel Transport Safety

This event occurred only a week after a separate fuel tanker crash on the D’Aguilar Highway, where two drivers sadly lost their lives following a head-on collision. That tragedy sparked criticism of road safety standards on some regional highways, with calls for urgent upgrades.

Lessons for ServoPro Members

For service station owners and operators, incidents like these are a stark reminder of the risks tied to fuel transport and storage. While tankers are a lifeline for every site, ensuring strong safety protocols, staff awareness, and emergency planning is essential. Although these accidents are rare, their impact can be significant not only for supply chains but also for public safety and community confidence.