Alarmed drivers have been shaken at the sight of an earthquake-like rift in the bitumen of a road in central Queensland's coal belt.
Authorities are on their way to urgently assess the scene on Gibihi Road near Moura, south-west of Rockhampton.
Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier told the ABC that information he has received suggests the rift could be caused by the impact of a mining blast.
But he said the exact cause of the split is yet to be determined.
"We're on our way out there now. It could be from a mine blast, but I can't say too much at the moment," Cr Ferrier said.
Gibihi Road remains closed.
Cr Ferrier said the damage is near the Dawson Mine lookout.
He said local traffic seeking access to the town of Moura should take other routes via the Leichhardt and Dawson Highways.
A spokesperson for Queensland Transport said the road was not a state controlled road and fell under local council jurisdiction.
Anglo American Coal released a statement confirming it was aware of damage to Gibihi Road "sustained following a routine blast at Dawson Mine" yesterday.
"As per normal practice, the road was closed prior to the blast and remains closed. No incidents, injuries or equipment damage has been recorded," the company said.
"All work in the immediate area has ceased and we're working with authorities to determine the condition of the road, repairs required and a schedule for its reopening."
