A driver has been charged following a six-truck crash on June 30th that saw all vehicles destroyed in a fire.
The accident, which occurred at approximately 5.00am, saw two truck drivers colliding, causing both semi-trailers to spin into four other trucks that had been parked at a rest stop on the side of the road on the Hume Highway, 32 kilometres southwest of Goulburn near Breadalbane.
Due to the intensity of the blaze, it was initially thought that seven trucks had been involved in the incident, and concerns for a seventh “missing” driver ensued before it was later established that all six male drivers were accounted for.
The trucks were carrying a deadly mix of explosive elements, including eight tonnes of butane cans, resin, memory foam and alcohol.
Seven fire trucks (including two Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) appliances were deployed alongside NSW Ambulance Services.
The Hume Highway was closed for several hours in both directions between Gunning and Cullerin Road to motorists, who were advised to divert down the Federal Highway and Barton Highway via Canberra. This detour added 80 minutes of additional travel time to their trip.
All drivers were treated at the scene for minor injuries and two drivers, aged 23 and 28 years old, were taken to Goulburn Hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers from the Hume Police District commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash after the site had been secured, with assistance from the Crash Investigation Unit.
Initial investigations suggest the two trucks collided and were on fire before it spread to the other four trucks that were parked nearby.
The 28-year-old driver was served a Future Court Attendance Notice and was charged with negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm) and is due to appear before Yass Local Court in August.
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