A serious crash involving a truck has forced the closure of a major section of the Bruce Highway in North Queensland, causing significant disruption for motorists.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The incident occurred on the Bruce Highway at Rollingstone, approximately 70 kilometres north of Townsville, on Thursday morning. Queensland Police confirmed emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a truck.
Initial reports indicate the truck left the roadway. The exact circumstances leading to the crash are under investigation by forensic crash unit officers.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics assessed the male driver at the scene. Fortunately, he did not require transportation to hospital, escaping serious injury.
Major Traffic Disruption and Detours
The crash has led to a full closure of the Bruce Highway in both directions at the incident site. This is a major arterial route connecting Townsville with Cairns and other northern centres, and the closure is expected to cause lengthy delays.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the area if possible. For those needing to travel, significant detours are in place. Drivers heading north are being diverted via Hervey Range Road, while southbound traffic is being redirected through the Gregory Developmental Road.
Authorities have warned that these alternative routes add considerable travel time and are urging patience. Heavy vehicles and caravans, in particular, should expect challenging conditions on the detour roads.
Clean-Up and Road Reopening
Recovery and clean-up operations are underway at the crash site. The process involves removing the damaged truck and ensuring the roadway is safe for traffic to resume.
Queensland Police and Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) crews are managing the situation. There is no estimated time for the highway to reopen, with authorities stating it will remain closed until the scene is cleared.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for all drivers, especially those covering long distances on major freight routes like the Bruce Highway, to remain vigilant. Fatigue, speed, and road conditions are constant factors on regional roads, and such crashes can have widespread knock-on effects for travel and freight logistics across the state.
