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A Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a multi-vehicle traffic crash and fire involving an American M1 Abrams main battle tank in Queensland, according to the Queensland Police Service.
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Traffic has already begun reopening at the site of the seven-vehicle traffic crash on the Bruce Highway at Bajool in Rockhampton.
Police were initially called to reports of a seven-vehicle collision at the site around 11:30am on Wednesday, 19 July. Three vehicles were located on fire and another four were extensively damaged including a B-double truck, semi-trailer carrying the Abrams tanks, flat-bed truck, three cars, and a four-wheel drive.
Six people were transported to the Rockhampton and Gladstone Hospitals, three with suspected spinal injuries, according to a Queensland Police spokesperson.
“The earlier emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act has been revoked (enforcing an exclusion zone around the area),” they said.
“Investigations into a seven-vehicle crash at Bajool in Rockhampton remain ongoing. Police would like to thank the community for their cooperation.”
The tank is likely taking part in Australia’s largest military exercise with the United States, Exercise Talisman Sabre this month.
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 runs from 22 July to 4 August incorporating force preparation activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, air combat, and maritime operations among 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel.
Key countries include Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany as participants and the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand as observers.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or anyone with relevant vision is urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
