- A tandem rig spilled 1,650 pounds of scrap metal on the M1 Pacific Motorway in Australia.
- Over 350 vehicles were damaged by the sharp debris scattered across a stretch of 19 miles.
- The incident caused massive traffic delays and a 10-hour-long road closure for cleanup.
A bizarre incident unfolded earlier today in New South Wales, Australia, when a truck spilled its load of scrap metal across the highway, leaving thousands of motorists stranded during the morning commute. The debris punctured hundreds of tires and brought traffic to a standstill.
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The tandem rig was heading southbound on the M1 Pacific Motorway around 5:00 a.m. when the rear door of its trailer reportedly failed. Unaware of the problem, the driver continued down the highway, scattering sharp pieces of scrap metal along a 30-kilometer (19-mile) stretch between Wyong and Mooney Mooney, north of Sydney.
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As drivers followed behind, many rolled straight over the debris. Some vehicles suffered multiple punctures, with some reportedly losing all four tires. According to local authorities, more than 350 vehicles were hit, many left immobile on the roadside for several hours. Police say the number could climb further as more drivers discover damage after parking or returning to their vehicles.
The fact that the incident happened before the morning commute made matters even worse, with thousands of vehicles being stranded in traffic. The police were forced to close down the affected stretch of the M1, with the closure lasting around 10 hours.
In total, it is believed that approximately 750 kg (1,650 pounds) of scrap metal were spilled from the truck, making it really hard for the authorities to clean up. The debris was eventually removed using large magnets mounted on sweep trucks.
Australian trucking company NJ Ashton issued a public statement confirming that one of its vehicles was responsible for the spill. The statement read: “We’re taking full responsibility for what’s happened and are very sorry for any damage and disruption that’s been caused.”
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Speaking to Australian media, the company’s owner apologized for the disruption. He also assured the public that their insurance would cover all reasonable costs. In a gesture of goodwill, he also offered affected drivers a complimentary lunch.
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The experienced truck driver involved claimed the load was properly secured before departure, suggesting the incident may have been caused by mechanical failure. NJ Ashton assisted in the cleanup and is now investigating what went wrong: “We still don’t fully understand how this occurred. At this stage it appears to have been an accident.”
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, despite the sheer number of flat tires scattered along one of the region’s busiest highway stretches.
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Lead Image: NSW Rural Fire Service / Facebook
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