FIREFIGHTERS have been praised for their quick response to a massive truck explosion, which threatened neighbouring homes, at the Caltex service station in Cobar Wednesday night.
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Several residents were evacuated, including an elderly woman asleep in an adjacent home, after the explosion ripped through the vehicle in the rear car park of the service station around 9pm.
NSW Rural Fire Service Far West manager Chris Favelle said five volunteers and three RFS vehicles responded to the blaze after hearing the explosion.
Two NSW Fire and Rescue vehicles also helped battle the blaze, which was contained despite flames coming dangerously close to property.
"The explosion was so loud it could be heard all over town," Mr Favelle said.
"We had three tankers on the scene pretty quickly.
"From what I understand, at this point, the driver was made aware of a problem moments before pulling up behind the service station, but had enough sense to stop the vehicle well away from the petrol pumps. It could have been much more serious," he said.
The truck driver escaped the blaze uninjured however, at least one resident to was taken to hospital for observation after sustaining suspected smoke inhalation.
A number of witnesses on the scene also reportedly assisted in helping residents evacuate.
It's not yet known what caused the explosion. Mr Favelle said the vehicle was transporting a load of steel with no other known accelerants on board.
Police Darling River Local Area Command are investigating.
