Sydney traffic chaos after truck slams into barrier and bursts into flames

A truck that slammed into a barrier and exploded into flames on a key Sydney road has caused chaos for people travelling in peak hour.

There were dramatic scenes in Sydney on Thursday afternoon after a truck smashed into a barrier and erupted in flames, causing chaos for traffic approaching peak hour.

Alarming footage captured flames and black smoke clouds spewing into the air after the vehicle crashed on the Eastern Distributor between Todman and Dacey Ave in Moore Park.

The incident, which started at about 3.30pm, caused both lanes of traffic on the Eastern Distributor to close, as well as the Sydney Harbour Tunnel’s southbound lane.

A truck smashed into a barrier and burst into flames. Picture: Matrix Media Group

Angry flames spewed from the back of the truck. Picture: Matrix Media Group

Traffic lights at the Dacey Ave intersection also went down, with police briefly directing traffic.

NSW Ambulance said the driver managed to escape the truck, and revealed no one on board at the time had been seriously injured.

The Eastern Distributor’s northbound lane re-opened just before 5pm, while all southbound lanes remained closed near Dacey Ave.

Debris was seen scattered around a barrier following the crash.

Northbound motorists were encouraged to allow extra time and use Gardeners Rd and O’Diordan St instead.

Southbound motorists were still able to use the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Western Distributor.