Mammoth clean-up after Tullamarine truck crash, chemical spill

Residents are being urged to stay indoors as specialist crews clean up a chemical spill in Melbourne’s northwest following a truck crash.

Residents in Melbourne’s northwest are being urged to stay indoors after a chemical tanker rolled over in the early hours of Friday morning.

Emergency services were called to reports a large B-double truck crashed into a safety barrier on Western Ring Rd in Tullamarine and careered down an embankment about 2am, trapping the 41-year old driver.

Emergency services were called to reports a truck had crashed into safety barrier on the Western Ring Road and rolled onto its side about 2am. Picture: Mark Stewart

A truck has come off the freeway at Tullamarine, hanging off the embankment. Was carrying a chemical pesticide, resulting in a a hazardous spill - those in the area advised to stay indoors. Truckie taken to hospital. More throughout the morning @[e-mail]/BNJb9Qpb6h

— Izabella Staskowski (@IzaStaskowski) July 14, 2022

Firefighters successfully freed the Mernda man from the vehicle before he was transported to hospital for observation.

Hazard crews are on scene working to clean up a significant amount of chemical pesticide that spilt on to the road from the truck.

A community warning has also been issued urging the public to stay indoors and avoid the area.

The warning was issued for Airport West, Gladstone Park, Gowanbrae, Strathmore Heights and Tullamarine.

The Altona-bound exit from the M80 Ring Road onto Melrose Drive is closed due to a truck rollover. Use the Tullamarine Freeway exit ramp or Airport Drive exit ramp instead. Allow plenty of extra time through the area. #victrafficpic.twitter.com/J1D2ySH15R

— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) July 14, 2022

Chemical Hazard - Advice for Western Ring, Tullamarine. You should Stay Informed. For more info: https://t.co/6IkLLmhjE1#vichazmat

— Fire Rescue Victoria (@FireRescueVic) July 14, 2022

The clean-up effort is expected to take most of the day.

However, a Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said hazmat crews “have begun to contain and neutralise the product.”

Victoria Police are also on scene assisting with traffic management.

The Melrose Drive exit from the M80 Ring Road Altona-bound is closed due to the rollover.

Motorists are being encouraged to use exits onto the Tullamarine Freeway or Airport Drive as alternatives and allow for extra time.

Firefighters are working to clean up a significant amount of chemicals that were spilled in the crash. Picture: Mark Stewart

Tullamarine/Ring Road truck crash from the ground and air @9NewsMelb@[e-mail]/VlwYEO3V1h

— Tom Kelly (@tpwkelly) July 14, 2022

Firefighters will remain on scene into the night to ensure the site is safe.

Crews are working alongside Melbourne Water to prevent any run off from the spill entering the waterways.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area as emergency services continue to isolate the source of the hazard.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined.

Anyone with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.