A truck has exploded into flames on a major highway in Queensland, sending toxic smoke into the sky and triggering a health alert for nearby residents.
A collision between an allegedly stolen Audi and a truck carrying hazardous material caused the blaze on the Logan Motorway, near Kingston and Loganlea, just after 8pm.
This led to the emergency declaration being made under the state's Public Safety Preservation Act, after thick waves of toxic fumes spread across the area.
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It took eight fire trucks about an hour to get control of the fire, which is still being extinguished within the exclusion zone.
The truck driver managed to escape the wreckage and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The initial fireball and the emergency response forced a shutdown of the motorway through the night.
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The eastbound lanes remain closed and there are diversions in place at Kingston Road.
Drivers and members of the public have been advised to avoid the area this morning.
The drivers of the stolen Audi remain on the run, with police asking for anyone with information to come forward.
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