Minilya-Exmouth Road reopened after truck carrying gas bottles catches fire, burning 200 hectares of bush

The only road in and out of tourism hotspot Exmouth was closed for about 24 hours after a truck carrying two trailers of gas bottles crashed and sparked a fire. The HAZMAT incident on Minilya-Exmouth Road on Tuesday about 1.50pm resulted in the fire spreading to surrounding bush, burning about 200ha and closing the only road in and out of the town. The truck driver escaped unharmed. An 800m exclusion zone has been set up, throwing travellers’ plans into disarray and causing a bank up of traffic at either end of Exmouth. The truck caught fire south of Learmonth Airport and north of Burkett Road. Minilya-Exmouth Road was closed for about 24 hours, reopened on Wednesday afternoon after the incident was controlled and contained. Travellers were either been forced to stay in Exmouth or Coral Bay until the road reopens, or turned back after not being able to get into the town. In a Facebook post, Mez Callen told how she and her partner saw the smoke on the horizon, then found out it was the rolled tanker. The couple were initially told that the road would be closed for four hours but then spent a night in their car when DFES shut the road overnight. Ms Callen said they drove their car the Exmouth Golf Course and spent the night in the carpark after they couldn’t get accommodation that would cater for their dog Penny. Staff from the Ningaloo Coral Bay accommodation site said they had received notice from customers who were unable to make it to their bookings because of the road closure. DFES had warned locals in the area of the gas cylinder fire to stay inside with doors and windows closed and air conditioners switched until the fumes disappear. People with medical concerns should contact their local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.