Driver trapped in semi wreck
A MAN was trapped in the severely crushed cabin of a semi-trailer for more than an hour yesterday, as fire crews worked to free him.
The truck overturned on the Bruce Hwy near the Gavial Creek Rd junction, about 10km south of Rockhampton.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 11.30am.
Rockhampton Police City Inspector Dave Peff said safety was a major concern as the truck was carrying 24 tonnes of calcium nitrate fertiliser.
Due to the resultant fuel and chemical spill, a 200-metre exclusion zone was set up but removed soon after.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the cabin of the vehicle was on fire at one point.
She said firefighters were able to free the 54-year-old man from the truck at 1pm.
Initial investigations by police suggest the semi-trailer was attempting to turn at the intersection when it overturned.
One lane of the Bruce Hwy was closed for several hours while the scene was cleared, but police were able to divert traffic.
The man was taken to Rockhampton Hospital with serious injuries.
He was in a stable condition late yesterday afternoon.
TRUCK CRASH
When: 11.30am yesterday
Where: Bruce Hwy and Gavial Creek Rd intersection, 10km south of Rockhampton
What: Semi-trailer carrying calcium nitrate overturned. Driver trapped in cab for more than an hour.
