Three drivers have been taken to hospital, one in critical condition, after a multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway just south of Miriam Vale in Queensland earlier this morning.
A 98km stretch of the Bruce Highway remains closed in both directions and is expected to remain that way for most of the day, said police.
The crash, which involved five B-double trucks and two ambulances, occurred in heavy fog just before 2am on Tuesday, south of Miriam Vale at Gindoran.
Police say one B-double truck crashed in heavy fog on the Bruce Highway, in Gindoran, south of Gladstone just before 2am on Tuesday, causing a chain reaction involving three other trucks. At least three of the drivers were trapped in their trucks and had to be freed by firefighters using the jaws of life to cut away metal.
Two paramedics responding to the scene were also involved in a crash near the initial accident. Vision captured by a witness showed both emergency vehicles in an embankment off the side of the road, with one ambulance's lights activated.
The crew are understood to have avoided serious injuries. Police said, “Appears QAS were responding to the incident however their crash appears to be a secondary crash in close proximity, not directly involved in the truck crash.”
One of the paramedics involved in the crash described the scene as chaotic. “Not only is that distressing, but it held them up getting to the patients they really wanted to care for,” the paramedic said. “But to their credit, they soldiered on, they got their gear out of their ambulances, threw their gear into a fire truck and travelled about a kilometre to the accident scene.”
The Bruce Highway, a 1,673 kilometre stretch of road critical for freight transportation, is considered one of the most dangerous in Australia. The Queensland government has announced plans to increase funding for the highway by $250 million each year, but starting from the 2027-2028 financial year. This is in addition to the $6 billion worth of projects already underway.
The incident has highlighted the dangers of driving in foggy conditions. Emergency services have reminded drivers to drive to conditions, slow down, and pull over if visibility is too poor. They stressed that driving on a highway in Australia is inherently dangerous, even on a good day.
The crash has also prompted calls for further investment in road safety infrastructure on the Bruce Highway. Queensland Premier Steven Miles expressed his condolences to those affected by the crash, acknowledging the risks faced by first responders. “This incident reminds us that our paramedics and indeed all of our first responders, they go to work every single day and they take personal risks to take care of us,” he said.
The Bruce Highway between Gin Gin and Miriamvale remains closed in both directions, with diversions in place from Gin Gin via Mulgrave Street into Bundaberg Gin Gin Road, Rosedale Road, Lowmead Road, Tableland Road through Fingerboard Road to Miriam Vale. Drivers have been warned to avoid the area and that the detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles.
The Aftermath: A Call for Action
The multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway has once again highlighted the importance of road safety and the need for continued investment in road infrastructure. The incident has also shone a light on the challenging conditions faced by first responders, who often put themselves at risk to help others. As the investigation into the crash continues, the focus now turns to finding ways to prevent future tragedies and make the Bruce Highway a safer road for all users.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Action
The crash has highlighted the need for more investment in road safety measures, including improved infrastructure and driver education. The Queensland government has pledged to continue investing in the Bruce Highway, but some experts argue that more needs to be done to address the problem of dangerous driving conditions. The government has also acknowledged the need to improve the training and resources available to first responders, who often face dangerous situations on the road.
