A truck reportedly lost a significant load of scrap metal on the M1 Pacific Motorway near Ourimbah, resulting in hundreds of vehicles suffering from flat tyres and forcing a major highway closure.
Truck Spills Scrap Metal, Leaving Hundreds Stranded with Flat Tyres
Truck Spills Scrap Metal, Leaving Hundreds Stranded with Flat Tyres
Major spillage on M1 Pacific Motorway causes chaos for commuters and emergency services.
In a dramatic incident early Friday morning, over 300 cars were rendered inoperable due to a substantial spill of 750kg (1,653lb) of sharp metal shards from a truck on one of Australia’s busiest highways. The truck reportedly continued its journey for roughly 30km (18 miles) before authorities realized the situation, leading to a prolonged closure of the city-bound lanes.
The spill caused considerable damage not only to personal vehicles but also affected emergency responders, as confirmed by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. "A truck lost a load of scrap metal around 5am this morning, causing extensive debris," an agency representative stated.
The New South Wales police revealed that the incident took place on the M1 Pacific Motorway, located just north of Sydney. By Friday afternoon, the affected section of the highway reopened after approximately 10 hours of cleanup efforts.
In an official response, NJ Ashton, the company responsible for the truck, issued an apology and expressed their commitment to assist with the recovery process. They stated, "We're taking full responsibility for what's happened and are very sorry for any damage and disruption that's been caused.” The company admits they are still investigating the details surrounding the incident.
State highway patrol commander, Howard Collins, indicated that cleanup efforts involved innovative methods, including the use of magnets to clear the metal fragments. "It's not just a case of getting a road sweeper out or guys and girls with brooms. We are using some magnetic devices. This takes a long time," Collins explained in a press conference.
New South Wales Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison labeled the incident as "unprecedented," noting the significant challenge of the cleanup. "We are working with all of the resources of government and the private sector to do the clean-up. It's like trying to hoover up the highway. It's very difficult," she stated.
The truck driver, identified as a 46-year-old man, is currently cooperating with the investigation. Meanwhile, the community begins to assess the aftermath as public and emergency services toil to restore normalcy to the busy thoroughfare.
