SIGNIFICANT delays are expected on the M1 Motorway at Cooranbong after a tanker reportedly exploded, causing an “out of control” fire to spread into nearby bushland.
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Emergency services have closed the motorway in both directions, and diversions are in place at the Mandalong Road exit, for motorists travelling north, and the Palmers Road exit, for those travelling south.
Police and firefighters were called to the scene, between Mandalong and Palmers roads, shortly after 1pm on Monday.
The Rural Fire Service said another vehicle caught fire which later spread and ignited a bushfire.
Crews were working to put out a bushfire that had spread to up to 15 hectares by 2pm.
They were water-bombing the blaze.
The Westpac rescue helicopter has also been dispatched to the scene.
Motorists were urged to avoid the area and delay their journey on the M1.
The Transport Management Centre said south-bound traffic was already queued for 12 kilometres, while north-bound traffic was queued for 7 ½ kilometres.
Motorists were facing delays of up to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Traffic is also heavy in Morisset.
Smoke is reducing visibility in the area and firefighters are battling to put out spot fires.
Police said they were unable to confirm the exact details of the incident at this time.
Update
The M1 Pacific Motorway remains closed at Cooranbong due to a multi-vehicle crash and truck fire.
Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M1, about 1km south of the Freemans Drive interchange, about 12.50pm.
Police said two trucks, including a fuel tanker, collided and one caught fire. A car was also damaged.
One person remains unaccounted for, police said.
Police remain at the scene and crash investigators will examine all the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and delay their trip.
Traffic in the area is very heavy, and there is also a lot of smoke.
Southound motorists already on the motorway are being diverted into Palmers Road.
Southbound traffic is queued more than 12 kilometres, adding an extra 100 minutes to the trip.
Northbound motorists already on the motorway are being diverted into Mandalong Road.
Northbound traffic is queued around eight kilometres, adding an extra 90 minutes to the trip.
There is no forecast for when the motorway will reopen.
For the latest traffic information, visit livetraffic.com