American tank on way to Talisman Sabre in big central Queensland car crash

A United States military tank – believed to be on the way to the Talisman Sabre military training exercise – has been caught in a fiery multi-vehicle crash.

A burnt-out Army tank at the Bajool crash, estimated to cost between $8 million to $10 million.

A US military tank – believed to be on the way to the Talisman Sabre military training exercise – has been caught in a fiery multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway in central Queensland.

Six people were taken to the Rockhampton and Gladstone hospitals, three with suspected spinal injuries.

Queensland Police confirmed the forensic crash unit was investigating after the accident at Bajool, south of Rockhampton, at about 11.30am on Wednesday, involving seven vehicles.

“Upon arrival, three vehicles were located on fire and another four were extensively damaged, including a B-double truck, a semi-trailer (carrying a military tank), a flat-bed truck carrying two caravans, three cars, and a four-wheel-drive towing a caravan,” a Queensland Police Service statement said.

Emergency services on scene of the Bajool crash.

Motorists were told to avoid the area or expect long delays because the highway would be closed for an extended period.

A Defence spokeswoman said a truck carrying a US Abrams tank was involved in the incident.

“Defence will provide support as required,” she said.

Exercise Talisman Sabre will run from July 22 to August 4, and is the largest combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force and the US military.

Exercise locations in central Queensland include the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, which is about 130km north of Bajool.

BAJOOL – Paramedics are on the scene of a serious multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway that occurred at 11.25am., Multiple patients are being assessed in various conditions at this time and a rescue helicopter is on scene. The Bruce Highway is closed and there are a number of fires in the area as a result of the crash. Picture: Supplied

The crash sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky and sparked grassfires near the highway.

Queensland’s Fire and Emergency Services said three vehicles caught fire in the crash, spreading to the surrounding grass area.

“The fire is now under control,” the QFES said.