NSW: Tanker explodes on highway

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-1999
NSW: Tanker explodes on highway

SYDNEY, April 27 AAP - A petrol tanker carrying up to 50,000 litres of fuel exploded when
it overturned in Newcastle early today.

A police spokesman said emergency service crews were hampered by eight-metre high flames as
they tried to control the blaze on the Pacific Highway in the suburb of Charlestown.

He said about 20 residents had been evacuated from their homes after petrol began leaking
into stormwater drains.

He said the tanker overturned while negotiating a bend about 1am (AEST). The 29-year-old
driver from Salamander Bay was thrown from the cabin and died at the scene.

NSW Fire Brigades spokesman Ian Krimmer said 45 officers were involved in containing the
fire which took about 30 minutes to extinguish.

He said while fuel had entered drains, he did not believe there were any major safety
issues. However, the situation would be monitored closely throughout the day.

Emergency service crews were still at the scene and the highway was expected to remain
closed for several hours.

AAP jd/gl

KEYWORD: TOLL NSW LEAD

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