Hundreds of vehicles were left stranded with flat tyres after a truck spilled a significant load of scrap metal across one of Australia's busiest highways, resulting in a major disruption for commuters and emergency services.
Truck Spills Metal Shards, Thousands Hit With Flat Tyres on Busy Highway
Truck Spills Metal Shards, Thousands Hit With Flat Tyres on Busy Highway
A truck incident on the M1 Pacific Motorway causes chaos for hundreds of drivers in New South Wales.
The M1 Pacific Motorway was the scene of an unusual incident early Friday morning when a truck, carrying 750kg (1,653lb) of sharp metal shards, lost its load and created dangerous conditions for motorists. The mishap, which unfolded around 5am, led to a 10-hour closure of the freeway as authorities worked to clear the debris.
According to New South Wales Rural Fire Service, the truck traveled for approximately 30km (18 miles) before the spillage was detected, damaging the tyres of at least 300 cars and some emergency vehicles as well. State police released a statement detailing the events and confirming that the driver, a 46-year-old man, was cooperating with the investigation. The trucking company, NJ Ashton, expressed their apologies, acknowledging their responsibility for the incident.
With the cleanup efforts underway, highway patrol officials are employing specialized magnetic devices to recover the embedded metal scraps from the roadway. "It's not just a case of getting a road sweeper out or guys and girls with brooms. We are using some magnetic devices,” stated State Highway Patrol Commander Howard Collins, emphasizing the challenges of the situation.
New South Wales Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison called the incident "unprecedented," as state authorities collaborate with private sector resources to restore the highway to a safe condition. The chaotic scene serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities and dangers faced by everyday motorists on major transport routes.
According to New South Wales Rural Fire Service, the truck traveled for approximately 30km (18 miles) before the spillage was detected, damaging the tyres of at least 300 cars and some emergency vehicles as well. State police released a statement detailing the events and confirming that the driver, a 46-year-old man, was cooperating with the investigation. The trucking company, NJ Ashton, expressed their apologies, acknowledging their responsibility for the incident.
With the cleanup efforts underway, highway patrol officials are employing specialized magnetic devices to recover the embedded metal scraps from the roadway. "It's not just a case of getting a road sweeper out or guys and girls with brooms. We are using some magnetic devices,” stated State Highway Patrol Commander Howard Collins, emphasizing the challenges of the situation.
New South Wales Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison called the incident "unprecedented," as state authorities collaborate with private sector resources to restore the highway to a safe condition. The chaotic scene serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities and dangers faced by everyday motorists on major transport routes.
