MELBOURNE – A truck driver has died after a fuel tanker rolled on the Princes Freeway at Darnum, east of Melbourne, causing a major fuel spill and significant transport disruption across the region.
Victoria Police said the B-double truck was travelling along the freeway shortly before 6:30am when it crashed into cable barriers.
The driver’s cabin separated from the two trailers before leaving the roadway and crashing into trees.
The driver died at the scene.
Emergency services attended the incident in wet conditions and established an exclusion area while crews worked to contain and clean up the fuel spill.
The Country Fire Authority warned that hazardous fumes were present on the freeway following the crash, although authorities said there was no immediate threat to nearby communities.
Road closures and detours are expected to remain in place for an extended period while the damaged vehicle is removed and the affected section of the freeway is made safe.
Police also responded to a separate two-vehicle collision that occurred behind the tanker rollover. No injuries were reported in that incident.
The crash has also disrupted regional rail services. Coaches are replacing trains between Warragul and Traralgon, while some services between Traralgon and Southern Cross will not operate today.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the area, allow additional travel time and follow directions from emergency services.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Source: ABC News Australia, Victoria Police and Country Fire Authority
