NSW: One dead in fiery petrol tanker smash

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2009
NSW: One dead in fiery petrol tanker smash

Eds: Changing keyword from Petrol



SYDNEY, Aug 7 AAP - One person is dead after a fiery smash between a car and a petrol
tanker near Parkes in NSW's central west.

The car was incinerated and police believe the driver, who died, was the sole occupant.

An investigation is under way to identify the remains of the driver.

The driver of the fully-laden truck managed to escape his vehicle before it exploded
and caught fire on Orange Road about 1am (AEST) on Friday, police said.

He was taken to Parkes Hospital with minor injuries.

The blaze took three hours to bring under control, with 20 firefighters attending from
the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

An RFS spokesman said a series of explosions coming from the tanker made it difficult
to fight the blaze.

A number of firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, he said.

Police, paramedics, State Emergency Service and HAZMAT officers were at the scene and
crash investigators were also sent.

Orange Road was closed and local traffic diversions were in place on Friday morning.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information which may assist investigators
is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

AAP bzs/evt/srp

KEYWORD: TOLL NSW (CHANGING KEYWORD)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.