A dramatic vehicle fire brought festive travel to a halt on the Captain Cook Highway near Cairns on Christmas night, forcing the closure of the major arterial road in both directions.
Christmas Night Chaos on the Highway
The incident unfolded on the evening of Wednesday, December 25. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) confirmed they were alerted to the blaze at approximately 7:45 PM. The fire involved a single vehicle on the Captain Cook Highway at Smithfield, north of the Cairns city centre.
Fire crews from nearby stations rushed to the scene to tackle the flames. Their prompt action was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading and ensuring no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is not yet known and will likely be investigated once the scene is cleared.
Major Traffic Disruption During Holiday Period
The fire's immediate consequence was significant disruption during a busy holiday period. Authorities were forced to close the highway in both directions to allow emergency crews to work safely and manage the situation.
This closure caused substantial delays for motorists travelling north and south of Cairns on Christmas night. Drivers were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible. The disruption underscored the vulnerability of key transport corridors to unexpected incidents, especially during peak travel times.
Cleanup and Road Reopening
Once QFES crews extinguished the fire, the focus shifted to clearing the wreckage and making the road safe for traffic. The damaged vehicle had to be removed from the highway. Queensland Police also attended the scene to assist with traffic management and the initial response.
The highway was reopened later that night after emergency services completed their work and the scene was declared safe. While the direct closure lasted several hours, flow-on delays likely affected travel plans for many throughout the evening.
This incident serves as a reminder for drivers to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained, particularly before long holiday drives. It also highlights the critical role of emergency services who respond to such callouts, even on major public holidays like Christmas.
