Motorcyclist taken to Gold Coast University Hospital after suffering minor injuries when metal fell from ute on M1 at Yatala

A motorbike rider has had a lucky escape after his bike was hit by metal which fell from a ute on the M1 this morning. The incident was eerily similar to one which killed Merrimac motorcyclist Craig Ward just three weeks ago.

A RIDER was forced to leap from his motorbike on the M1 at Yatala after he collided with metal which fell from a ute this morning.

It comes after Merrimac motorcyclist Craig Ward, 53, was killed on the M1 at Nerang when a step ladder reportedly fell from a tradie’s vehicle and caused a multi-vehicle crash on November 2. No charges have been laid at this stage.

Craig Ward, 53, of Merrimac was killed in a horror crash on the M1, which has been linked to a ladder falling from a tradie’s vehicle. Picture: Facebook

Since then, Gold Coast residents have come forward to report a range of dangerous incidents on the Pacific Motorway caused by unsecured loads.

The harrowing tales prompted Parker Simmonds Solicitors & Lawyers litigation director Bruce Simmonds to speak out.

He said loose ladders were a “prevalent culprit” for M1 damages.

“Claims we have handled often feature ladders and brooms falling from vehicles. Reinforced metal is worse,” he said.

Mr Simmonds echoed calls from social media users for a police crackdown.

“Police need to forcefully ensure motorists on the motorway have their loads safely secured. Lives depend on it,” he said.

Earlier this morning, about 5am, the motorbike rider was riding northbound on the M1 when the metal reportedly came loose and hit his bike.

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He managed to keep the vehicle upright before he jumped clear and fortunately avoided more serious harm.

Part of the Pacific Motorway (M1) between Gold Coast and Brisbane. Picture: Nigel Hallett

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Paramedics, including those from the High Acuity Response Unit, assessed the man and took him to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition suffering leg and shoulder injuries.

QAS warned of lengthy delays after the crash, but congestion had eased by 7am.

Reader Ronnie Kaye said he spotted a truck with a loose load on the M1 around the same spot Craig Ward was killed, just two days later. It was just one of dozens of loose load incidents recounted to the Bulletin. Picture: Facebook

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This morning’s incident also follows the deaths of Gold Coast motorcyclists Terry Clark, 54, and Joshua Mowat, 26, in separate collisions on Sunday.

Another motorcyclist lost his leg in a crash at Arundel on Sunday.