Emergency services say it's 'miracle' no one was injured when a tanker carrying 15,000 litres of hydrochloric acid exploded into flames on Queensland's M1 Motorway.
The driver has been praised for acting quickly and pulling off the motorway after noticing the fire beneath the tanker.
He then called emergency services and warned other motorists away from the area.
"I believe it is a miracle he has escaped without any injuries," said a Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Inspector Jed Crosby told ABC Radio.
The driver was treated for smoke inhalation but has since been released.
A one-kilometre-wide exclusion zone was established after the tanker caught fire on the M1 Motorway at Loganholme on Friday morning, closing the motorway, which connects Brisbane with the Gold Coast, in both directions.
Queensland police say all northbound lanes have now reopened but southbound lanes are expected to remain closed for several more hours.
Motorists stuck in the traffic jam are being urged not to cross onto the wrong side of the road to get out or do illegal U-Turns.
Trucker company owner Coogee Chemicals incident response team are working with emergency services to remove the vehicle.
The Perth-based company said it was "relieved" no-one was injured.
Police say moving the tanker from the motorway will be a "logistical challenge" as it will need to be escorted away by police after emergency crews remove the acid from the tanker.
The tanker caught fire around 8:30am on Friday sending thick black smoke billowing across the nearby area.
A local resident told ABC Radio he heard loud "bangs" that shook the windows in his house.
Anyone with breathing difficulties has been advised to keep medication or breathing aids with them.
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