Crashes at Mackay, Winchester call for emergency crews

Firefighters have issued a public warning after two people were injured when a charging bank exploded inside a car at Moranbah. LATEST

From a three car crash on Nebo Rd to a exploding powerbank that sent two women to the hospital, it was a terrible Tuesday in Mackay.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Services have issued a public warning after two people were injured when a charging bank exploded inside a car at Moranbah.

A QFES spokesman said crews were called to reports of a vehicle fire along Moranbah Access Rd just after 10am on Tuesday.

The spokesman said the flames were extinguished by the time firefighters arrived.

Fire and Rescue crews were called to an incident after a charging bank exploded inside a car on the Moranbah Access Rd. Photo: QFES media

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said two patients were taken to Moranbah Hospital for further treatment including a female in her 30s with minor burns to her leg and a female in her 50s with minor burns to her hand.

A QFES spokesman confirmed that the fire was not caused by the vehicle itself, but rather a powerbank having “a major malfunction”.

Firefighters ensure the scene was safe and had left by 10:15am.

This firebank reportedly exploded, causing burns to two women who were transported to Dysart hospital. Photo: QFES media

The QFES has since put out a reminder to the public to only purchase lithium-ion batteries from a reputable retailer or supplier and follow their instructions and only use batteries and chargers designed specifically for the device.

It also urges to avoid overcharging or charging devices on surfaces that are easily heated, such as beds or lounge, and not to place them in direct sunlight or in hot vehicles.

It was a busy morning for emergency services across the Mackay Isaac region including patrons and staff being evacuated from South Suburban Bowls Club shortly after 10am.

Ergon repairmen inspected the affected area and investigated the fires cause. Photo: Fergus Gregg

An employee of the Bowls Club was outside the building when he noticed an electrical box connected to the Clubs solar system had caught fire.

Club management evacuated the building and two fire crews arrived at 10:30am.

By that time the fire had begun to die down and the power source had been isolated from the building.

A QFES spokeswoman said that firefighters remained at the scene until the fire extinguished itself and after investigating found no further damage to the property.

Ergon employee’s inspected the electrical box and performed repairs.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club was reopened for business at around 11am.

Two fire crews attended at 10:30 and were on the scene for about 15 minutes.

Earlier, three vehicles collided on Nebo Rd, or the Bruce Highway, near Donaldson St in Mackay sometime after 8am.

A white car had its front visibly crushed, the bonnet curled upwards and obstructing the windshield, while the rear of a grey Toyota ute showed clear damage.

Police and firefighters were present at the scene and there were no injuries.

The vehicles were moved from the middle of the road and traffic was able to proceed unimpeded by 8:30am.

Three vehicles collided on Nebo Rd sometime after 8am Tuesday March 5. Photo: Fergus Gregg

At 8:48am, a QFES spokesman said a crew from the Moranbah station was called to a vehicle rollover along the Peak Downs Mine Rd in Winchester.

A QPS spokesman said the vehicle was off the road and officers had been directing traffic.

A QAS spokeswoman said a patient was transported to Dysart Hospital in stable condition.

It is understood the crash is about 2km east of the Peak Downs Mine entrance.

Also shortly before 9am, police were called to reports of a collision at the intersection of Carlyle and Gordon St in the Mackay CBD.

It is understood a driver may have crashed into a vehicle carrying a woman and her child.

More to come.