00:00 A scene of chaos. At its centre, a US Army tank. Burning fuel from the vehicles erupted,
00:09 creating thick smoke and intense flames.
00:11 "It was massive, like big hit. And flames and all like tyres blasting."
00:19 The crash happened near Bejewel, south of Rockhampton, involving seven vehicles, including
00:24 caravans and a B-double truck.
00:26 "It just took, I don't know, less than a second."
00:30 Six people were taken to hospital, one in a serious condition.
00:34 "The scene has spread out over a significant distance and it is quite remarkable that the
00:40 people have survived this impact and fire today."
00:43 Police issued an emergency declaration for an exclusion zone, which has since been revoked.
00:49 The Bruce Highway remains closed in both directions, with detours in place.
00:54 "It has been quite a difficult fire to combat today. Due to the location, we are hampered
00:59 with a lack of water and with two semi-trailers involved in fire, as well as fuel from the
01:06 various vehicles."
01:07 "There were no soldiers involved or injured in the crash. It's my understanding that a
01:10 civilian driver was driving the truck."
01:14 The crash comes ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre, a biannual training event involving
01:19 Australian and United States troops, which begins in Shoalwater Bay, just 134km away
01:26 on the weekend.
01:27 "There will obviously be an investigation by the relevant authorities in respect of
01:33 the crash, where Defence can assist in this at will."
01:36 Police investigations are continuing.
01:38 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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