Some residents of Melbourne's north-west have been warned of hazardous fumes after a truck crash on a major road caused a serious chemical spill overnight.
Key points:
- The driver escaped with minor injuries after his B-double truck crashed, rolled and trapped him in the cab
- About 40 tonnes of a chemical herbicide leaked from the truck onto a western ring road exit ramp
- Residents of Airport West, Gladstone Park, Gowanbrae, Strathmore Heights and Tullamarine have been warned of potential fumes
A large B-double truck crashed through a barrier on the Western Ring Road in Tullamarine about 2am, careering down an embankment at the Altona-bound exit ramp onto Melrose Drive.
The driver was trapped in the crash and it took nearly two hours for him to be freed by emergency services.
"The truck had rolled over so it is a difficult rescue," Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) assistant chief fire officer Craig Brownlie said.
"Fire crews had to get access to the truck, to the cab, open the door and then, using some specialist equipment, to actually be able to remove him out of the vehicle."
The 41-year-old Mernda man was taken to hospital for observation.
Victoria Police Acting Senior Sergeant Jason Connor said the man had only sustained minor injuries and it was expected he would be able to speak to police on Friday.
"It's horrific. I'm surprised he's walked away," he said.
Tullamarine and surrounding suburbs issued with warning
The truck was carrying a chemical herbicide, prompting a hazmat response.
Mr Brownlie said about 40 tonnes of the chemical had been spilled across the exit ramp.
"There is a lot of product spread a considerable distance across that area. So it is a significant clean-up," he said.
About 40 firefighters were working to remove the spill.
VicEmergency issued a community advice message for residents of Airport West, Gladstone Park, Gowanbrae, Strathmore Heights and Tullamarine, warning "hazardous fumes are being released in the local vicinity".
"There is currently no threat to the community, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions," the alert read.
FRV advice for residents within 500 metres of the exit ramp was to shelter in place while the clean-up was underway.
M80 western ring road delays
Surrounding roads were cordoned off to create an exclusion zone, with specialist hazardous materials crews working to contain the fungicide.
The Altona-bound exit ramp onto Melrose Drive was closed, with drivers urged to allow for extra time and use the exit ramp onto the Tullamarine Freeway or further along at Airport Drive to get back to Melrose Drive.
"The ramp closure may continue through until this afternoon so drivers are encouraged to plan ahead," the Department of Transport said shortly after 6am.
Police are still working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMicGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIyLTA3LTE1L3Jlc2lkZW50cy1vZi1tZWxib3VybmVzLXdlc3Qtd2FybmVkLXRvLXN0YXktaW5kb29ycy1hZnRlci10cnVjay8xMDEyNDA1NDDSAQA?oc=5
2022-07-14 21:44:43Z
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