A key stretch of road has re-opened after a roadside explosion prompted its declaration as an exclusion zone.
Emergency services were called to the reported explosion on Wises Road, Maroochydore, about 6.45am.
An exclusion zone was declared. Energex and the Queensland Fire Department were investigating.
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Senior Sergeant Brad Doolan said the explosion reportedly lifted the lid of a manhole cover on the footpath outside a car dealership by about a foot.
He likened it to an incident on Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, on the weekend where a manhole blew off, causing a pedestrian to fall in. She was helped out just before a series of underground explosions with flames.
“It’s very similar to the Gold Coast. The gas is in the vicinity of main powerlines. It’s emanating gas,” he said while the exclusion zone was in place.
“But this is worse. The gas is more concentrated and the radius is bigger.”
An Energex spokesperson said a faulty underground electrical cable joint had been the cause of the problem, and melting components had created emissions.
Energex took some time to fully isolate the power at the site before the problem could be fixed.
The gas was described as a yellow-green colour following the blast.
Several Queensland Fire Department crews attended and ambulance officers were stationed nearby in case of another explosion.
BUDERIM: Wises Road is closed at the roundabout intersecting with Sugar Road. Please avoid the area and expect delays. #qldtraffic pic.twitter.com/UffB3AfEla
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) December 10, 2024
Wises Road between the Sugar Road roundabout and the Wises Road roundabout, near the substation, were closed, as was the eastern end of Glen Kyle Drive.
Motorists and pedestrians were urged to avoid the area.
Traffic backed up on the Sunshine Motorway and Buderim Avenue exit, Buderim Avenue, Buderim-Mooloolaba Road, Sugar Road, Dalton Drive and Maroochy Boulevard as a result.
