NSW: Truck driver escapes from tanker before explosion: police

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2009
NSW: Truck driver escapes from tanker before explosion: police

SYDNEY, Aug 7 AAP - A truck driver has escaped from his petrol tanker before it exploded
after colliding with a car in NSW's central west.

Emergency services responded to reports of a collision between a car and a fully-laden
petrol tanker on Orange Road, about 20km east of Parkes, at 1am (AEST) on Friday.

Police said the truck driver escaped from the tanker before it exploded and caught
fire. He was taken to Parkes Hospital with minor injuries.

The car was incinerated but it was not known how many people were in the vehicle at
the time of the crash, police said.

The blaze could not be brought under control, with a series of explosions coming from the tanker.

A number of firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Police, paramedics, State Emergency Services and HAZMAT officers were also at the scene
and crash investigators were also sent.

Orange Rd was closed and local traffic diversions were put in place.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information which may assist is urged to
contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

AAP sg/ldj

KEYWORD: PETROL

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