Semi-trailer carrying load of toilet paper catches fire on Gateway Bridge
Amid panic-buying of toilet paper across Australia spurred by fears of a coronavirus pandemic, a semi-trailer carrying the now-precious commodity has burst into flames on a major Brisbane bridge.
The truck was carrying a load of wood, toilet paper and paper towels when it caught fire on the Gateway Motorway bridge at Murrarie about 9.45pm on Wednesday.
Northbound lanes of the bridge were closed as crews worked to clean up the mess. The driver escaped the truck without injury.
Firefighters remained on the scene until about 1am, with two lanes closed for repairs to the road surface into the morning. All lanes were cleared by about 6.30am.
Police said the truck experienced mechanical issues, which led to the cabin going up in flames.
Firefighters say about half the truck's load was saved.Credit:7 News
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service's Justin Francis said there was "quite an interesting fuel load" on the truck.
"We believe toilet paper is quite precious at the moment, so we've been able to save half the load," he said at the scene.
Shelves across the country have been emptied in recent days by shoppers stockpiling the suddenly premium product, despite the advice of authorities.
On Tuesday, toilet paper manufacturer Sorbent warned the rush could lead to a supply shortage after Kimberly-Clark, which manufactures Kleenex toilet paper in Australia, said it had production lines running 24 hours a day at its South Australian factory to deal with the spike in demand.
Major supermarket Woolworths has announced a limit on the number of packs its customers are able to purchase.
Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles called for calm on Wednesday, saying there was no reason for anyone to be stocking up on supplies, especially toilet paper.
"If you are under our instruction, self-isolating for that period of 14 days, then you will have support," he said.
"If you run out of toilet paper, the Red Cross will be able to assist you to get toilet paper, there's no need to be stockpiling toilet paper."
Queensland Health has advised that people should consider stocking up on some canned or non-perishable food if they believed they would need to remain at home under quarantine.
There has not been any human-to-human transmission of the disease within Queensland at this stage.
Matt Dennien is a reporter for the Brisbane Times.