‘Incinerated’: Fears three dead in outback chemical truck crash

The truck was believed to have been carrying about 25 tonnes of ammonium nitrate and there are fears the wreck could explode.

There are fears three people have been killed after a truck carrying chemicals and another vehicle collided in a remote part of Western Australia.

It’s understood the Kenworth prime mover was towing two trailers carrying about 25 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound commonly used in mining explosives.

It happened along Great Northern Hwy near the turn-off to Karijini in the state’s Pilbara region about 3.30pm on Tuesday.

Police haven’t confirmed the number of people killed, but said they believe there are no survivors. Picture: Facebook

Emergency services have been unable to assess the scene properly because they can’t get close to the crash site because of fears there could be an explosion.

A WA Police spokesperson said they’ve been unable to determine the make or model of the car involved.

“As a result of the crash both the truck and car were incinerated,” the spokesperson said.

“At this time all occupants of the vehicles are believed to be deceased.

“Based on initial information provided to police at the time of the crash, it is believed there may have been one person in the truck and two people in the car.”

However, that can’t be confirmed until the state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) deem it safe for police to move in.

The crash happened about 3.30pm Tuesday on the Great Northern Hwy, near the turn-off to Karijini. Picture: DFES

A 35km stretch of the Great Northern Hwy remains closed between the Auski Roadhouse and Karijini Dr, which is the turn-off to Karijini.

A DFES warning said the road will remain closed “for an extended period of time” with motorists urged to avoid the area.

Volunteer firefighters from Newman and Tom Price are also assisting.

Great Northern Highway ROAD CLOSED Between Nanutarra Munjina Road and Karijini Drive due to a crashhttps://t.co/Wxr8zLASKI#waroads

— Main Roads WA (@WA_Roads) October 10, 2023

Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has relevant information, is being urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or to make an anonymous report online.

Dashcam or mobile phone vision relating to the matter can also be uploaded directly to investigators here.

Originally published as ‘Incinerated’: Fears three dead in outback chemical truck crash