Truck driver’s lucky escape from burning cabin on Calder Freeway
A truck driver made a lucky escape after his cabin exploded into flames on the Calder Freeway — one of two call outs to fires on freeways in Melbourne’s north this week. SEE PHOTOS
North West
Don't miss out on the headlines from North West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A truck driver has escaped unharmed after his cabin exploded into flames on the Calder Freeway at Diggers Rest.
The freeway was closed outbound near the Bulla-Diggers Rest Rd overpass, with traffic delays stretching back before Calder Park Raceway, when the tanker caught fire about 3.30pm on Wednesday.
An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said paramedics were not required to treat anyone.
Firefighters were at the scene for about 45 minutes.
“The prime mover was completely involved in fire but it was extinguished by the Sunbury pumper and Diggers Rest tanker,” a CFA spokeswoman said.
Motorists heading home from work were required to exit at Bulla-Diggers Rest before immediately returning to the freeway.
All lanes reopened about 6.40pm after heavy haulage was called to remove the destroyed truck.
It followed an earlier car fire on the Tullamarine Freeway near Melrose Drive in Airport West about noon.
Firefighters were also called to extinguish the blaze, which destroyed the front of the hatchback.
Lane closures were in place for about 45 minutes while emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage.
MORE NORTHERN NEWS:
HOMELESS MAN CHARGED OVER EPPING SHOOTING
GUN VIOLENCE RISE SPARK FEARS FOR INNOCENTS
BRAIN LAKE TAKES AIM AT JOURNALIST ON INSTAGRAM
LALOR MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE OFFENCES
The driver escaped without injury, 9 News reported.
In another separate incident on Wednesday, three lanes were closed outbound on Sydney Rd in Campbellfield, just after Camp Rd, due to a multi-vehicle collision.
Delays stretched back to Fawkner cemetery for about 45 minutes until the crash site was cleared and all lanes reopened just before 2pm.
