Bruce Highway blocked near Koumala after semi-trailer crash

After a truck driver had a medical episode south of Mackay his semi-trailer ended up blocking both the Bruce Hwy and rail line, sparking a complicated clean up.

A semi-trailer crash on the Bruce Highway near Koumala left the vehicle sprawled over the train line around 2.50pm on October 15, 2024. Photo taken around 4:40pm. Picture: Fergus Gregg

A semi-trailer crash blocked both the Bruce Highway and the main rail line south of Mackay, but is now only blocking the train line.

Emergency services responded to reports of a semi trailer losing control on the Bruce Highway near the intersection of Smart Rd and Archies Rd, south of Koumala just before 2.50pm.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said the truck was leaking fluid.

The rail corridor has been closed between Koumala and Ilbilbie.

It is unclear how long it will take for the truck to be removed. Picture: Fergus Gregg

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said three freight trains have been delayed, but no passenger trains are affected as of yet.

The North Coast rail line has been affected between Mackay and St Lawrence as a result of the crash, she said, and repair staff are heading to the scene.

A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said it was believed the incident was caused by the driver suffering a medical episode.

Paramedics are assessing the male driver who is believed to have sustained injuries in the incident but is now in a stable condition.

More to come.

Originally published as Bruce Highway blocked near Koumala after semi-trailer crash