The driver of a vehicle that burst into flames after smashing into a Cairns service station in April was allegedly five times the legal blood alcohol limit.
A 31-year-old Cooktown man has been charged after he allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of .258.
Police will allege on April 21 he failed to negotiate a right-hand turn on Reservoir Road on to Pease Street. The Mercedes Benz Sprinter van careened off the road and into the Shell Coles Express service station.
CCTV photo of a showing the Mercedes- Benz Sprinter that crashed into the service station. Picture: Queensland Police
The impact of the vehicle hitting the bowser ignited fuel and the blaze then completely destroyed the van and damaged petrol pumps.
Following investigations led by officers of the Cairns West Cairns police station the driver on Thursday was given a notice to appear for driving under the influence of liquor, driving without due care and attention.
The Coles service station in April after a van erupted in flames. Picture: Peter Carruthers
The service station was evacuated and police reported the alleged drunk driver successfully got out of the van and clear of the fire.
The 31-year-old man alleged to be behind the wheel of the van is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court later this month.