Truck driver dead in horror Princes Freeway rollover
The body of a truck driver remains trapped after the massive vehicle flipped onto its roof in a horror smash this morning. Crews have spent hours attempting to lift the truck.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A truck driver has died in a horror smash after his semi-trailer flipped in Werribee South this morning.
Emergency services were called to the Princes Freeway following reports a semi-trailer had struck a rope wire barrier and rolled about 3.20am.
The 38-year-old man from Clifton Springs, died at the scene.
As of 4pm the two right lanes outbound on the Princes Freeway had opened.
The Department of Transport said as investigations continue, the two left lanes will remain closed past the scene near Duncans Road with the speed limit set at 40km/h.
“The closure will be in place through this morning’s peak with Victoria Police conducting an investigation of the scene,” a department spokesman said.
“We suggest drivers plan ahead and allow extra time using the diversion.
Traffic chaos is expected in #Melbourne this morning following a fatal truck rollover in Werribee South.@NathanTemp7 is there with details. pic.twitter.com/To4ESYSZRT
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) November 3, 2019
“Our signals team is monitoring conditions and will adjust traffic lights as needed to minimise congestion in the area.”
Sergeant Ben Tayler from the Westgate Highway Patrol said the cause of the rollover was still under investigation.
“The semi-trailer left the road from the left hand lane and hit the crash barriers which did a great job of slowing it down,” Sergeant Tayler said.
“The driver was unable to regain control of the vehicle which ultimately rolled over.
“It went down a 10-foot embankment, and ended up about 20m from the side of the road, upside down.
“My understanding is that it was an instant death.”
The “fully loaded” semi trailer was carrying a dodgem car in the 100kmh zone.
The man’s next of kin is currently being notified.
As of 12pm, the man’s body was still trapped in the truck as a 90-tonne crane attempted to lift the truck.
“It is tragic, we understand and appreciate the surrounding chaos it has caused but we are asking the public to be patient, to be safe and vigilant,” he said.
MORE NEWS
NOTORIOUS AU PAIR CHARGED WITH CHILD STEALING
MOTORISTS FAILING TO GIVE WAY TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES
“It is more important than ever at the moment to drive within your capabilities and drive to the conditions.
“We are pleading for the public to take care, it is effectively a long weekend, leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
“It is a tragedy that someone has passed away, while at work makes it more tragic.”
While inbound lanes were open, rubberneckers brought traffic to a crawl.
Police will investigate the cause of the collision.
There was another fatal crash overnight on Hertford Street in Sebastopol, near Ballarat.
These fatalities takes this year’s lives lost on Victorian roads to 233, compared to 177 this time last year.