Woman killed as car is crushed between truck and tanker

A WOMAN was killed as she drove to Gatton for blood tests after she slowed for roadworks on the Warrego Highway.

ROADWORKS TRAGEDY: A woman was killed in a traffic crash at Hatton Vale yesterday. Picture: Claudia Baxter

A WOMAN was killed as she drove to Gatton for blood tests after she slowed for roadworks on the Warrego Highway.

Laidley police Senior Sergeant Jim McDonald said the crash was on the westbound side of the highway at Hatton Vale about 8am yesterday.

Senior Sergeant McDonald said the crash was being investigated but the woman's car was crushed between a truck she was following and a B-double fuel tanker.

"The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating but the scene indicates both car and truck slowed down for road works," Snr Sgt McDonald said.

"The B-double ran into the back of the car and drove it into the other truck."

The crash happened near Rusty's Oz Fuel service station.

The 64-year-old woman, who was alone in the car, died at the scene, he said.

Police and Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics treated the B-double driver for shock.

Traffic stretches back from the Summerholme Road exit on the Warrego Highway. A crash occurred about 8am near Rustys Oz Fuel service station. Initial reports were that a car has been crushed between two trucks. Extensive delays slowed traffic in both directions. Photo: Claudia Baxter / The Queensland Times. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Snr Sgt McDonald said the woman, from Hatton Vale, was on her way to Gatton for routine blood tests.

He said the woman had lived in the area for nine or 10 years.

Yesterday, her family was told the terrible news.

The Warrego Hwy was completely blocked after the crash and diversions for eastbound traffic were set up via Niemeyer Rd. Yesterday afternoon, the highway was still heavily congested around the crash scene as the Forensic Crash Unit started investigating.

Anyone with information about the crash should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppers.com.au.

Gatton police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Tom Missingham said the driver of the truck in front of the woman's car continued for about 200m after the collision until he could leave the road safely.

Traffic congestion eased after an hour when a detour for westbound traffic was organised through Summerholm.

Originally published as Woman killed as car is crushed between truck and tanker