Explosions as B-double fire blocks Pacific Motorway
The B-double was carrying a load of aerosol cans and laundry detergent. But the driver managed to save the prime mover:
Coffs Harbour
Don't miss out on the headlines from Coffs Harbour. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two trailers were destroyed, though a fast-thinking driver managed to move the prime mover clear, in a fiery incident which blocked the Pacific Motorway north of Coffs Harbour on Thursday morning.
Explosions rang into the night as a B-double load which included aerosol cans caught alight at about 2.30 near Halfway Creek.
Nine Fire and Rescue NSW trucks, including hazardous materials crews, and at least four Rural Fire Service units rushed to the scene, where police blocked traffic in both directions.
The driver managed to disconnect the prime mover from the trailers and drive it clear.
A Fire and Rescue spokesperson said the trailers were carrying a mixed load which included laundry detergent and possibly personal hygiene products.
Fire and Rescue crews from Woolgoolga, Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Urunga, while the Rural Fire Service contingent included Corindi and Sherwood Creek brigades.
The scene was declared safe just before 6am.
The cause of the blaze is being determined.
Patient allegedly raped elderly man, attacked health staffer
A young man admitted to a general ward of a Mid-North Coast hospital allegedly raped an elderly male patient before assaulting a health worker, with the entire incident filmed by another patient.
‘Enormous reputational damage’: Council evicts its own museum
A Northern Rivers council wanting to better manage their assets has reneged on an agreed lease to allow its museum to return – leaving the organisation homeless and precious artefacts sitting idly in shipping containers.