Hundreds of vehicles found themselves with flat tires following a dramatic incident on one of Australia’s main highways. A truck traveling along the M1 Pacific Motorway spilled a substantial load of sharp metal dust, approximately 750kg (1,653lb), which wreaked havoc along a 30km (18-mile) stretch of the road.
Authorities reported that the truck continued its route for about 30 kilometers before the spilled load was noticed. The hazard left at least 300 cars, including emergency service vehicles, with severely damaged tires. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service confirmed that the incident occurred around 5 a.m. local time.
In response to the spillage, city-bound lanes were shut down for over 10 hours on Friday, leaving commuters stranded. State police confirmed the event took place near Ourimbah, which is situated north of Sydney. The motorway was finally reopened later in the afternoon after extensive cleanup efforts.
The truck company, NJ Ashton, has issued an apology and is actively assisting with the ongoing clean-up operation. New South Wales Rural Fire Service officials reported that specialized magnets were being utilized to extract embedded metal shards from the highway, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
Highway Patrol Commander Howard Collins explained the challenges, stating, "It's not just a case of getting a road sweeper to carry out the job; we are employing magnetic tools to effectively clear the debris." State Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison described the clean-up operation as unprecedented, likening it to "trying to hoover up the highway."
The truck driver, a 46-year-old man, is reportedly coordinating with law enforcement as they investigate the cause of the incident. NJ Ashton has expressed its commitment to fully understanding the circumstances that led to the significant spillage, taking responsibility for the resultant damage and disruption.
