Over 300 vehicles suffered flat tires following a major incident on the M1 Pacific Motorway due to a truck spilling scrap metal.
Massive Metal Spill Leaves Hundreds of Vehicles with Flat Tires on Australian Highway
Massive Metal Spill Leaves Hundreds of Vehicles with Flat Tires on Australian Highway
A truck accident causes chaos on one of Australia’s major highways, affecting hundreds of drivers.
Authorities in New South Wales have reported that a truck shed a significant load of sharp metal shards on the M1 Pacific Motorway, leading to widespread chaos on one of Australia's busiest highways. The truck, carrying 750kg (1,653 lbs) of scrap metal, reportedly traveled over 30 km (18 miles) before the spill was identified, causing extensive tire damage to at least 300 cars, as confirmed by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.
The incident unfolded early Friday morning around 5 AM, prompting the closure of city-bound lanes for several hours as crews worked tirelessly to clear the roadway. Emergency vehicles were also not spared; some sustained tire damage due to the debris, highlighting the scale of the spillage.
In an effort to clean up the hazardous situation, authorities deployed magnetic devices alongside traditional sweeping efforts. "This isn't just about sending a road sweeper; we're using magnets to extract metal fragments embedded in the highway," shared Howard Collins, state highway patrol commander, during a press briefing.
The problematic section of the M1, located near Ourimbah, north of Sydney, eventually reopened to traffic after a 10-hour closure. New South Wales State Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison described the scenario as "unprecedented," detailing the collaborative efforts involving both government resources and private companies to facilitate the clean-up process.
"We're effectively trying to 'hoover' the highway, which is proving to be a complex task," Aitchison commented. NJ Ashton, the trucking company responsible, has issued an apology for the disruption and stated their commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigations.
As inquiries remain underway, police reported that the 46-year-old truck driver is fully cooperating. NJ Ashton expressed regret, stating they do not yet comprehend the exact circumstances that led to the incident. The community anxiously awaits further updates on how such an unfortunate event could have taken place on a crucial transportation route.
