Fatal truck crash causes Gold Coast commuter chaos on Pacific Motorway

Traffic was backed up for more than 20km after a truck driver suffered an apparent medical episode and crashed.

A truck driver has died after suffering an apparent medical episode and crashing his vehicle on a busy link between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, causing hours of traffic delays.

The truck driver was killed after crashing on the Pacific Motorway. Picture: Google Maps

It happened just before 6am on Thursday on the M1 Pacific Motorway through Gaven, about 67km southeast of Brisbane.

Police closed one lane of the M1, causing traffic to bank up in both directions. Picture: 7 News

The truck had crashed into the median strip separating the north and southbound lanes of the motorway.

Police closed one lane of the M1, causing traffic to bank up in both directions stretching from Carrara to Ormeau – a distance of about 30km.

Motorists are advised of delays on the M1 northbound at Gaven near exit 62 due to a single vehicle truck crash. Drivers are advised to use caution near the crash site and take alternative routes where possible. #qldtrafficpic.twitter.com/NQibdfuJSr

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) December 6, 2023

Helicopter vision from 7 News showed huge stretches of traffic stuck at a standstill as emergency crews worked to clear the crash site.

Originally published as Fatal truck crash causes Gold Coast commuter chaos on Pacific Motorway