In 2007, two professional prospectors planned to drive into the
Great Sandy Desert east of Sandfire, their vehicle of choice being a rebuilt Series Two Landrover . For two and a half days they “bush bashed” along a very overgrown Anna Plains Track. At 60km intervals they dropped water in case they had to walk out. 11 o'clock yesterday , had a tea break then started east again. After 5 km , accumulated seeds and brush under the vehicle caught fire. The fire took hold and set fire to the surrounding scrub and rapidly started to consume the vehicle and trailer. From the burning vehicle they recovered the satphone and used this to contact authorities. A rescue by helicopter was made some 65 hours later due to the logistics in getting a helicopter to such an isolated location.
The wreck now sits forlornly by the Anna Plains Track facing east. The bush and sand are slowly claiming the vehicle and its damaged contents. It remains a sad reminder of the dangers of travel in these wild and remote
places.