Traffic grinds to halt after ‘top heavy’ truck rolls in Eltham

A truck that rolled and lost its load on a busy Eltham road brought peak hour traffic to a standstill. But had the driver of the truck done one simple thing correctly the nightmare ride home could have been spared for commuters.

Peak hour traffic was brought to a standstill by this overturned truck in Eltham. Picture: Andrew Crook

A truck transporting demolition waste was “too top heavy”, causing it to roll and lose its load in Eltham on Monday.

The skip truck turned from Fitzsimons Lane onto Main Rd about 4.30pm when it rolled, causing traffic to bank up and a section of Main Rd to shut for four hours.

The 49-year-old male driver from Campbellfield suffered minor injuries and could be charged with careless driving.

A male passenger in the truck also escaped the incident without serious injury.

Greensborough Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Ashley Hodges said it was “extremely lucky” there were no major injuries and urged motorists to secure their loads at all times.

“In this instance the truck was carrying garden waste, but logs and tree stumps which were heavier than the rest of the waste were positioned at the top of the load,” he said.

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“The truck has turned and as you would expect with the way the load was arranged it’s rolled and has gone all over the road.

“If you are transporting either small or large loads you need to ensure its secure, give yourself enough room at bends and allow extra travel time so you aren’t rushing.”

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