A truck lost a load of scrap metal this morning at 5am, scattering debris along the M1 Pacific Motorway southbound from Ourimbah, according to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
RFS said around 300 vehicles sustained shredded tyres.
“The motorway is closed southbound between Ourimbah and Mt White and is expected to remain closed for some time,” said RFS.
“Please avoid the area and delay travel if possible.
“Follow directions from emergency services and stay updated via Live Traffic NSW.”
A truck from Sydney-based trucking company, NJ Ashton, is reported to be responsible for the metal spill.
NJ Ashton Group General Manager, Daniel Falconer, told media the driver set off south towards Sydney this morning with 40 tonnes of scrap metal with some material spilling from the back. There were no signs of a problem when the truck was loaded yesterday afternoon and the driver had been completing this freight task for the past three months.
Falconer said the company will pay for everything through its insurance if anyone affected needs assistance.
NJ Ashton will also assist with the cleaning detail.
“Our mechanics are on the way to fix any tyres if they can, help anyone on the side of the road,” Falconer told 2GB’ radio.
“We’re just doing as much as we possibly can.
“We’ve got sweepers out on the highway. We’ve got guys coming with excavators and all that sort of stuff to fix everything up.”
The pins on the back of the truck were locked, Police confirmed.
Falconer mentioned the cause of the fault may have been a mechanical error which led to the spill.
Newcastle Hunter Highway Patrol Chief Inspector, Thomas Barnes, said the situation was ‘unprecedented’ and the first priority is to make sure people who are stuck on the roadway are as safe as possible.
As of 8am, more than 300 vehicles were reported to be damaged by the metal debris.
“A number of people are not realising until they’ve arrived at their destination that they also have damaged tyres that are subject to a slow leak,” said Barnes.
Transport for NSW reported that authorities are focused on cleaning one lane to allow trucks through to manage traffic. Diversions are in place but they are not currently suitable for B-doubles which are being parked.
Clenton’s Transport was one of many transport businesses affected by the incident.
“Our team, like many others, was caught up in the chaos with shredded tyres and immobilised vehicles – reminding us how quickly things can change on the road,” said Clenton’s Transport Director, Jason Clenton.
“Thankfully our drivers are safe, and we’re now focused on resuming service as efficiently as possible.”
In other news, the NSW Government has awarded a contract to deliver the first stage of the $128 million Port to REZ Program.
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