Female truckie killed in horror double-fatal crash near Port Macquarie

Colleagues have fondly remembered a female truck driver who was killed in a horrific crash near Port Macquarie on Friday. A second truck driver also died.

A female truck driver killed in a horrific early-morning crash on the Pacific Highway has been remembered by colleagues as someone who “brought happiness into their lives” during long stretches on the road.

Jo Mills, 41, was driving about 1km south of the Oxley Highway off-ramp at Thrumster about 3.30am on Friday when her truck and another one collided.

Jo Mills ‘brought happiness into the lives of her colleagues.

Two truck drivers died in the horrific crash. Picture: Frank Redward

The impact of the crash killed both Ms Mills and a 52-year-old male truck driver instantly.

It caused traffic chaos for several hours as the highway was shut in both ­directions, and authorities will need to make major repairs to the road.

While police have so far been ­unable to formally identify either of the two drivers killed in the crash, local truckies paid tribute to them.

Andrew Menzies, who had been driving with Ms Mills for ­almost two decades, said she was heading home for the weekend when the tragedy struck.

He said in an industry dominated by men, his good friend had held her own for years.

“She was a bloody legend, way too young to die at the wheel,” Mr Menzies said.

“She was married to driving, she loved driving interstate. I have known her for about 18 years, I was talking to her just last week for her birthday. We are all one family.”

The crash sparked a huge fire. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW

Mr Menzies said the family was distraught and were told about the tragedy ­before it was posted on social media.

Rachel Scott, whose husband worked with Ms Mills for years, posted: “In loving memory of one so special, whose light we lost far too soon. Jojo you were someone who all the truckers knew if they needed anything, you would be there. You not only touched so many lives and brought such happiness … We will miss you greatly.”

Detective Chief Inspector Darren Jameson said that section of the road could be closed for days for repairs and for the police to investigate the crash.