Shocking photos reveal carnage after tanker and utes collide

Spectacular photos have shown the damage to two utes that collided with a tanker resulting in a major roadway linking two Bowen Basin mining towns for almost 12 hours.

Photos show the shocking aftermath of a serious crash involving two utes and a tanker on Saraji Rd on July 4. Picture: Supplied

Shock photos reveal the damage to two utes after a collision with a tanker on a roadway linking two Bowen Basin mining town that resulted in the major thoroughfare being closed for almost 12 hours.

Police are still investigating the cause of the multi-vehicle crash on Saraji Rd at 5.20am Tuesday.

Initial investigations suggest tanker and two utes had been travelling in opposite directions when they collided near Phillips Creek bridge crossing.

A 29-year-old driver of one of the utes suffered serious injuries to his leg and was trapped for a time inside the vehicle.

Photos show the shocking aftermath of a serious crash involving two utes and a tanker on Saraji Rd on July 4. Picture: Supplied

Fire crews had to remove him so he could be taken to Moranbah Hospital, where it is understood he was flown to Townsville University Hospital for further treatment.

A 23-year-old man, who was in the second ute, suffered injuries to his back and was also taken to hospital for treatment.

Photos show the shocking aftermath of a serious crash involving two utes and a tanker on Saraji Rd on July 4. Picture: Supplied

The driver of the truck, a 42 year old, was not injured.

All vehicle had to be towed from the site. The roadway, which was closed for about 11 hours, was fully opened by 4.15pm.

Saraji Rd is a major thoroughfare between Dysart and Moranbah.

The state government allocated $18m to the bridge in its 2023-24 budget, with $5.9m booked for this financial year and $12.1m for post-2024 work.

It is estimated the closure of the bridge can cost the mining industry more than $12 million a day.

A tow truck will need to be brought in to remove vehicles and debris from the road, a Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said.

Photos show the shocking aftermath of a serious crash involving two utes and a tanker on Saraji Rd on July 4. Picture: Supplied

Phillips Creek Bridge has been the subject of a huge push for funding to replace one of the key road links within the Bowen Basin.

The state government allocated $18m to the bridge in its 2023-24 budget, with $5.9m booked for this financial year and $12.1m for post-2024 work.

It is understood Isaac Regional Council will need to attend the site to make repairs to the bridge as a result of the crash.

Multiple emergency crews were called to the scene including police, fire crews and paramedics.

The police spokesman said the tanker was upright and there were no concerns about its contents.

Originally published as Shocking photos reveal carnage after tanker and utes collide