Three killed after car hits semi-trailer and bursts into flames west of Brisbane

Three people have been killed in a fiery crash on the Warrego Highway west of Brisbane.

A car burst into flames after it collided with a truck at Glenore Grove near Gatton shortly before 6.30pm last night.

A 38-year-old woman and two boys aged 9 and 13 died at the scene.

Police said it appeared the red sedan was returning to the roadway when collided with a semi-trailer near the intersection of Forest Hill-Fernvale Rd.

Senior Sergeant Jim McDonald told the Toowoomba Chronicle there was little that could be done to save the occupants, with the car engulfed by 1.5m flames.

Sgt McDonald said the truck driver tried to take evasive action to avoid the crash.

"The truck driver has done a great job, but unfortunately the incident has occurred and we've got three people who've lost their lives," he said.

The highway’s eastbound lanes were closed for several hours before reopening after 11pm.