NSW:Blazing tanker causes Pacific Hwy closure

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2010
NSW:Blazing tanker causes Pacific Hwy closure

SYDNEY, Dec 31 AAP - The Pacific Highway in northern NSW will remain closed for some
hours in the aftermath of a petrol tanker overturning and catching fire.

Fire crews have extinguished the vehicle's two tanks, loaded with 40,000 litres of
petrol, but a large amount of run off fuel is continuing to burn on Friday at 3pm (AEST).

Fire Brigade spokesman Superintendent Ian Krimmer said the run off was into a swamp
area, next to the overturned tanker at Tintenbar, about 10km north of Ballina.

That fuel would be allowed to burn off, meaning the road would remain closed for "quite
a few hours", he said.

Two people were trapped in a car nearby after a pole burnt through and power lines
came down on the vehicle.

While they have been released safely, Sup Krimmer said the tanker driver was still
unaccounted for.

NSW Transport Management Centre has advised motorists to use an alternative route to
the Pacific Highway.

Light vehicles can use Bangalow Road.

Heavy vehicles southbound will have to be parked, but those going north can still use
the New England Highway and/or Summerland Way.

AAP mss/jlw

KEYWORD: TANKER 2ND UPDATE

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