The Hume Highway is closed in both directions following a five-vehicle crash on the Hume Highway. Photo: NSW Rural Fire Service.
UPDATE – 30 June, 12:45 pm: Police say it was “nothing short of a miracle” that no one was seriously injured in a fiery multi-truck crash earlier today.
The Hume Highway was shut in both directions following a horrific six-semi-trailer crash at about 5 am today (30 June) near Goulburn.
A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson said the trucks were carrying a variety of chemicals, including eight tonnes of butane cans, resin, memory foam and alcohol, which started a blaze that destroyed multiple vehicles.
The Hume Police District Inspector Vladimir Mijok described the scene as “fairly horrific” and said investigators initially believed seven trucks were involved.
He now confirmed authorities no longer believe that a person is missing.
“Due to the smoke and the flames, we weren’t able to get close enough [to determine only six trucks were involved] … Nothing short of a miracle there.”
He said the discovery was made about fifteen minutes before speaking to the media.
“[It] wasn’t until Fire and Rescue were on the ground and could actually go in there and determine how many trucks were there exactly.”
He also said part of their investigation will examine whether any of the drivers were asleep in their vehicles at the time of the crash.
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson told Region that six people were treated at the scene, but none needed to be taken to hospital.
Inspector Mijok also said that two of the drivers have been taken to Goulburn Hospital for mandatory testing.
A crime scene has been established, with the Crash Investigation Unit at the scene.
Inspector Mijok said these efforts will continue into the afternoon.
“Our investigations so far indicate that one truck was entering the rest area, and another truck has collided with the rear of that truck, shunting it into the rest area, and then colliding with the other trucks that were already in there.”
Keep an eye on Live Traffic NSW for live traffic updates.
UPDATE – 30 June, 9:30 am: A truck driver is unaccounted for after a multi-truck crash at a rest area off a major highway early this morning.
The Hume Highway was shut in both directions following the horrific seven semi-trailer crash at about 5 am today (30 June) near Goulburn.
In a statement just after 9 am, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said a truck driver is “unaccounted for” in the aftermath of the incident.
“It appears two trucks collided and careered into five other rigs at a roadside rest stop,” a spokesperson said.
“One truck was carrying eight tonnes of butane cans, another was transporting resin, a third contained memory foam and a fourth was packed with alcohol, fuelling the resulting fire and explosions.
“Four drivers escaped the wreckage but another hasn’t been located.”
FRNSW deployed seven fire trucks, including two Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) appliances, and up to 40 firefighters to the scene.
A spokesperson told Region that several nearby homes have been contacted.
While they have not been affected by the blaze, they were asked to close their windows and doors.
The spokesperson also said firefighters are using foam to smother the fire.
Officers attached to The Hume Police District, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, along with Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance were called to the scene.
A NSW Police spokesperson said three drivers were being treated with serious injuries at the scene.
An NSW Ambulance spokesperson told Region they remained on scene as of 8:30 am.
The incident has left the highway closed in both directions at Breadalbane (south-west of Goulburn).
In an alert, Live Traffic NSW warned that vehicle salvage and clean-up from the incident are set to continue for some time.
Their map shows a stretch of the highway as being closed from Manton to near Yarra.
Motorists travelling in the area are asked to use the Federal Highway and the Barton Highway in a detour through Canberra.
That route is suitable for all vehicles up to 26m B-doubles, but will take an estimated 80 minutes of extra travel time.
Unless specified otherwise, operators of Class 1, 2 and 3 vehicles travelling under a Notice must use their relevant enforceable network map to find an approved alternative route.
Operators of Class 1, 2 and 3 vehicles travelling under a Permit must not travel off the approved route listed in the permit (unless an updated permit is obtained).
For the latest traffic updates, motorists can visit Live Traffic NSW.
30 June, 8:00 am: The Hume Highway is currently closed in both directions following a horrific five-truck crash this morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Breadalbane at around 6 am this morning to find all vehicles alight.
Traffic is currently being diverted via Canberra via The Federal Highway and Barton Highway. This is suitable for all vehicles up to 26m B-doubles only. Motorists are advised that this will add approximately 80 minutes of additional travel time.
The incident took place on the Hume Highway south of Goulburn. Photo: Live Traffic NSW.
A 300-metre exclusion zone is currently in place.
For live traffic updates, head to Live Traffic NSW.
More to come.
Original Article published on Region Canberra.
