Crawfords and AECI mining explosives involved in Gracemere collision

One of the companies involved in the crash that killed a 21-year-old twin and blew up part of the Bruce Highway has now responded to questions about another recent near-disaster. DETAILS

The freightline and mining explosives companies involved in the truck and ute crash that killed a 21-year-old twin and blew up part of the Bruce Highway near Bororen last month has now responded to key questions about another recent near-disaster in Central Queensland.

A Crawfords Freightlines prime mover was again carrying ammonium nitrate from AECI when it rolled at the intersection of Boongary Rd and Gracemere Stanwell Industrial Precinct Rd at Gracemere, 15 minutes southwest of Rockhampton, on September 14.

In scenes mirroring the August 30 disaster that shocked the nation after it led to the days-long closure of the highway, a 1km exclusion zone was established just before 8am after the truck rolled.

However, within one hour the truck was no longer leaking and the three firefighting crews that attended were able to isolate its batteries, allowing emergency services to downgrade the exclusion zone to 100m before removing it altogether.

A prime mover rolled at the intersection of Boongary Rd and Gracemere Stanwell Industrial Precinct Rd, Gracemere, on Saturday morning. Picture: Kent Murray

 The driver in his 70s was able to remove himself from the truck and he was taken to Rockhampton Hospital in a stable condition.

The publication asked Crawfords if they were concerned it could be a repeat of the Bororen incident, when a Crawfords truck carrying 42 tonnes of AECI’s ammonium nitrate emulsion was involved in a chemical explosion that closed a rail line alongside the highway and left the highway itself looking like a war zone.

Crawfords was also asked whether it had any concerns about fatigue and would be making any changes in the workplace, such as rostering.

In a statement released on Friday, Crawfords Freightlines said it “prioritised the safety of its drivers and the traveling public above all else”.

“On August 30 a Crawfords vehicle collided with a ute that was driving on the wrong side of the road,’’ a spokesperson said.

“Tragically the driver of that ute passed away and the freight driver sustained serious injuries.

“On 14 September a single vehicle accident occurred. The driver passed relevant drug and alcohol tests, fatigue was not a factor and no spillage of any dangerous chemicals was detected. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

“There is extensive legislation covering the transport of chemicals which Crawfords follows at all times.

“These chemicals are vital to the mining industry that use them and therefore to the broader economy, and we do everything possible to transport them safely.

“Crawfords continues to work closely and collaboratively with its clients, including AECI”.

Recovery works taking place on the Bruce Highway where an ammonium nitrate truck exploded near Bororen. Photo – TMR

Meanwhile, a Resources Safety and Health Queensland spokeswoman confirmed they were investigating both incidents.

She said once those investigations were complete, RSHQ would provide further information.

Young Rockhampton roofer Max Joseph Rourke left behind a devastated dad, twin brother, girlfriend and wider family after he was killed when his ute and the Crawfords truck collided near Bororen.

At the time a spokesperson for Crawfords Freightlines said the company’s 48-year-old injured truck driver was highly-experienced and had been an employee for 12 years.

Max Rourke. Picture: Facebook

AECI responded in a statement that they were aware a truck carrying ammonium nitrate emulsion, en route from Bajool to a customer in New South Wales, was involved in a collision causing a fatality and subsequently leading to an explosion.

They went on to state they were dedicated to the responsible management of hazardous materials and would continue to offer any necessary support to the authorities during the ongoing investigation.

Originally published as Crawfords and AECI mining explosives involved in Gracemere collision