Tanker spills diesel across road in northern Brisbane

An oil tanker that struck a traffic light in Mitchelton triggered an exclusion zone on Thursday afternoon, which spanned several blocks and cut off a local shopping centre and isolated parts of a commuter station during peak traffic.

Emergency services were called shortly before 2pm to the intersection of Burwood and Osborne roads in Mitchelton, near the Brookside Shopping Mall, where a tanker had struck a pole.

Police said the crash had caused a diesel spill onto the road, and announced an exclusion zone about half an hour after arriving. The exclusion zone was revoked about 5.30pm on Thursday.

It had covered a triangular area along Kedron Brook, from Northmore Street to McConaghy Street, which joined onto Mitchelton train station – a stop along the Ferny Grove line.

While police monitored traffic flow and urged the public to remain away from the area, fire crews assisted with removing the crashed tanker and cleaning the spill.

Translink had not altered services along the Ferny Grove line, which stops at the station, and a spokesperson said trains had let passengers off at Mitchelton station, which had still been accessible from its southern entrances.

The Brisbane City Council was expected to manage continuing clean-up efforts.

Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.