Outback chemical crash prompts 2km exclusion zone

A vehicle carrying a material used in the creation of explosives has crashed in the outback, with emergency services on the scene.

The warning has been issued for an area about 20km north of the WA mining town of Newman. Picture: DFES

A 2km exclusion zone has been set up around the site of a crash in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, with potentially explosive material involved.

The crash was reported about 6.09pm Wednesday, about 20km north of the mining town of Newman.

The incident involved a vehicle carrying a quantity of ammonium nitrate.

The warning has been issued for an area about 20km north of the WA mining town of Newman. Picture: DFES

The sand-like substances is used in explosives, fertilisers and antibiotics. When it is heated it can release toxic nitrogen oxides and ammonia gases.

People travelling in the region have been urged to avoid the area, with Great Northern Highway closed between Newman and Karijini Drive in Juna Downs.

The crash was reported about 6.09pm Wednesday, with the vehicle understood to be carrying ammonium nitrate at the time. Picture: DFES

Firefighters are on the scene, and police are assisting with traffic management.

The state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a hazmat alert just after 7pm.

About 100 people, including nine monks, had to be evacuated from the WA monastic town of New Norcia on June 3 when a truck also carrying ammonium nitrate caught fire nearby.

Originally published as Outback chemical crash prompts 2km exclusion zone