UPDATED 2:00pm

A 39-year-old woman killed in when Elgas gas tanker truck rolled on the Captain Cook Highway at Ellis Beach on Monday night has been identified as German national Dagmar Henley.  

Ms Henley, who was in the passenger seat of the truck at the time of the crash, died at the scene, while emergency crews managed to free the 56-year-old male driver, who was transported to Cairns Hospital with severe but non-life-threatening injuries. 

Ms Henley worked at the Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort as a receptionist.

Police had to declare an emergent situation under the Public Safety Preservation Act because of the risk of gas leaking from the tanker. 

Although no fire occurred there was still a risk of a large explosion due to the pressurised gas in the tank.

It is believed that the tanker was delivering gas between Cairns and Port Douglas when the crash occurred.

The Captain Cook Highway was closed in both directions between Hartley’s Creek and Palm Cove until about 5:40am Tuesday morning. 

Police have called for any witnesses to the crash or anyone with information about it to contact them.