Man dies in horror Western Ring Rd smash

THE Western Ring Rd has reopened after this morning’s horrific fatal crash, which claimed a 34-year-old man’s life, after a day of traffic delays through the west. LATEST

Police at the scene of the fatal Western Ring Rd crash. Picture: David Crosling

A TRUCK driver has watched on in horror as his friend was struck and killed by a crane travelling in the emergency lane on one of the Melbourne’s busiest freeways this morning.

Police have confirmed a 34-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was killed when he pulled over to secure a load of gardening supplies in the tray of his truck on Western Ring Road about 7.20am.

The Greensborough-bound section was closed at Ballarat Rd for most of the afternoon before VicRoads reported it had reopened just after 6pm.

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M80 RING RD - All lanes clear Greensborough-bound at Ballarat Rd, after a serious collision that happened at approximately 7:30am today. VicRoads thanks motorists caught by this incident for their patience & understanding. Delays remain & will take time to clear #victraffic

— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) September 18, 2018

The truck involved in the Western Ring Rd crash. Picture: David Crosling

Traffic has come to a standstill on the Western Ring Rd after a crash this morning. Picture: Channel 7

The crane involved in the fatal crash. Picture: David Crosling

Traffic chaos ensued on the Western Ring Rd after the crash. Picture: David Crosling

Update #2:

Ring Road still sees queues back at the Western Fwy.

If you have an account or are prepared to pay the toll, Tulla is best option however West Gate inbound is congested.

Back ring via Melton and Taylors Lakes onto Calder Fwy is another last option.

-Jacqui pic.twitter.com/HyzC7EboAu

— Melbourne Traffic (@MelbTraffic) September 18, 2018

A crane and other heavy vehicles worked to clear the site this afternoon.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Clancy said the 23-year-old driver of the smaller truck had only climbed back into the truck’s cabin moments before his workmate was hit.
He was said to be “extremely traumatised” by the incident and was taken to Sunshine Hospital to be treated for shock but has since been released.

Det Snr Sgt Clancy said it was “mind boggling” how the accident occurred, given the crane truck was a left-hand drive vehicle.

“It was a straight stretch of road … he would’ve had good observations of anything on the left hand side of the truck,” he said.

Police at the scene of the smash. Picture: David Crosling

The 31-year-old crane driver from Wendouree has been interviewed by detectives and released pending further inquiries.

Det Snr Sgt Clancy said there was nothing to suggest the crane had been speeding but had been “straddling” the emergency lane and factors such as distraction would be investigated.

He urged anyone who saw the crash or has dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.