Aussie soldier's disastrous mistake shuts down servo

An army truck has ploughed through the roof of a regional petrol station, crumbling much of the structure housing the bowsers and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It's unclear exactly how the dangerous accident unfolded, but photos from the scene reveal the extraordinary damage that resulted.

Emergency crews were called to the Ampol station on the Bruce Highway south of Mackay in Queensland at about 5.15pm yesterday, after the driver of the Australian Army vehicle apparently misjudged the height of the roof, slamming directly into it and toppling it over.

Queensland Police said there's no ongoing threat to the public and while much of the facility was wrecked — including two petrol pumps that suffered “significant damage” — no injuries were recorded during the ordeal.

Army truck's costly mistake

Photos show the truck wedged beneath the crumpled roof, which can be seen resting on a significant slant following the accident. Pumps and beams were dented and damaged, having been barrelled over by the truck.

A Department of Defence spokesperson said the vehicle was travelling from Brisbane to Townsville for Exercise Vigilant Scimitar.

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“Defence is working with Queensland Police to secure the area and remove the vehicle from the site,” they said. "Defence thanks the public for their understanding."

The truck stayed in place overnight as authorities assessed the site. Power has been shut at the station and it will remain closed.

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