Horror as tanker carrying 36,000 litres of petrol explodes into a huge fireball on a highway south of Sydney
- A fuel tanker exploded into a huge fireball on the M1 Princes Highway on Friday
- The horror incident unfolded about 8.45am, sending smoke billowing into the air
- Tanker fire forced the closure of the highway, south of Sydney, in both directions
A fuel tanker has exploded into a huge fireball on a busy highway south of Sydney.
The horrific incident unfolded on the M1 Princes Highway at West Wollongong on Friday morning.
The 36,000-litre tanker was engulfed in flames about 8.45am, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air.
A 36,000-litre fuel tanker has exploded into a huge fireball on the M1 Princes Highway
The explosion on Friday morning sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air
Drivers are being told to avoid the area, with the highway closed in both directions.
Southbound traffic is being diverted at Mount Ousley Road, while northbound traffic is being diverted at Five Islands Road.
A two kilometre exclusion zone has been set-up around the accident scene.
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Emergency services are at the scene.
Paramedics are treating the 44-year-old driver, who escaped the vehicle without major injuries.
More to come.
