Mirani MP Stephen Andrew and Flynn MP Colin Boyce on Bajool crash

As investigations continue into a horror crash between a truck carrying an army tank and multiple vehicles on a Central Qld highway, the region’s leaders say something must finally be done.

Investigations are continuing into a horror crash between a truck carrying an army tank and multiple vehicles on the Bruce Highway, with the region’s politicians calling for upgrades to the roadway.

Six people were hospitalised, three with suspected spinal injuries, after the explosive crash on July 19 on the highway, 24km south of Rockhampton, on Bobs Creek Bridge at Bajool.

Seven vehicles were involved in the crash, including three trucks, one carrying a US Abrams tank that was to be involved in the 10th iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Three of the vehicles caught on fire in the smash, which led to multiple explosions and grass fires spreading to the sides of the highway, which was closed for more than 24 hours after the crash.

Scenes from the Bruce Highway crash at Bajool with the Army tank in the background. Picture: Steve Vit

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said on Friday no charges have yet been laid but investigations were ongoing.

In the aftermath of the crash Rockhampton’s police inspector said “if police are able to (provide) evidence any offences, then prosecution action will be taken against the involved party or parties”.

A military expert dubbed the Bruce Highway as “not fit for purpose”, calling for funding to upgrade sections of the road which “barely meet” civilian requirements let alone army transport needs.

Mirani MP Stephen Andrew. Picture: Melanie Whiting

Speaking to this publication on the weekend, Mirani MP Stephen Andrew said if the Federal Government “wanted to purchase land and use those roads and thoroughfares, they should upgrade it to the standards they need”.

“As things get on, obviously that machinery and some of that military gear gets heavier and bigger,” he said.

“The roads need to be upgraded for such a thing.

“It’s all reactive, until the road gets destroyed or some damage actually happens then they address it.

“Unfortunately, it’s a sad thing.”

Scenes from the Bruce Highway crash at Bajool on July 19. Picture: Contributed

Millions have been spent on safety upgrades to the highway, which included the Bob’s Creek Bridge which were completed in 2020.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport and Main Roads said skid resistance work on the Bruce Highway, which included the crash site, had only been completed in June 2023 as part of TMR’s maintenance program.

Flynn MP Colin Boyce. Picture: Supplied

Flynn MP Colin Boyce said the Queensland Audit Office’s integrated transport planning (Report 4: 2017-18) projected a $9 billion shortfall in funding for the road network throughout Queensland.

“It is my view that if this is not addressed then it will increase exponentially as time goes by and the road network will continue to deteriorate and unfortunately, we will continue to see more serious accidents occur,” he said.

Originally published as Mirani MP Stephen Andrew and Flynn MP Colin Boyce on Bajool crash