Vehicle collision resulting in ammonium nitrate spill

What happened?

An explosives Mobile Processing Unit (MPU) towing a trailer was involved in a collision with a B-Double truck on a public highway. The incident resulted in a spillage of ammonium nitrate.

How did it happen?

An MPU was towing a fully loaded trailer of Ammonium Nitrate Prill (AN) and Emulsion (ANE) when it slowed down to stop at roadworks. The trailer was struck from behind by a loaded commercial freight B-Double truck. The impact caused the MPU trailer to roll over onto its side, which resulted in a spillage of approximately 1.5 tonnes of AN.

Key issues

the AN tank hatch assembly failed to contain the AN following the collision
contamination of AN with fuels, organic matter, or other chemicals
potential for decomposition/detonation of AN when exposed to fire or high temperature
exposing people, property, and environment to an explosive hazard

Recommendations

Operators conducting explosives transportation activities should:

ensure that all hatch assemblies and fittings on transport tanks are constructed to a standard that will maintain their integrity in a collision or roll over situation
prior to transporting on a public road, ensure that a risk-based journey management plan has been completed. This should incorporate Safety, Security and Fatigue Management
ensure emergency response plans encompass worst-case scenario outcomes
ensure adequate resourcing for emergency response capability
ensure drivers and sub-contractors are trained in the hazardous properties of the load and the emergency procedures to be followed
ensure that Emergency Procedure Guides carried in explosives transport vehicles clearly define the actions to manage any explosive or precursor emergency
ensure that persons who are involved in accidents/incidents are assessed and cleared by a medical professional prior to return to work

References and further information

Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail Third Edition

Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7.7

Queensland Explosives Inspectorate Explosives Information Bulletin no. 52 – Transport of SSAN

Queensland Explosives Inspectorate Explosives Safety Alert no. 32 – MPU rollover

Queensland Explosives Inspectorate Explosives Safety Alert no. 86 – AN Explodes during transport incident

Authorised by Hermann Fasching - chief-inspector-explosives

Contact: Paul White, Senior Inspector of Explosives , +61 7 3199 8023 Explosives@rshq.qld.gov.au

Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.

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All information on this page (Vehicle collision resulting in ammonium nitrate spill - https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-and-health-alerts/explosives/vehicle-collision-resulting-in-ammonium-nitrate-spillage) is correct as of time of printing (Nov 5, 2026 11:42 pm).