Just weeks after a six-truck crash closed the Hume Highway down for several hours, another truck crash 32 kilometres southwest of Goulburn, near Breadalbane Road, has occurred.
This time, one man was not able to walk away from the incident.
At 4.10am on July 17, emergency services were called to the northbound lanes of the Hume Highway to find two trucks alight.
It is believed that a road train had broken down on the highway, when a B-double carrying aerosol cans collided with the back of the broken truck.
The 31-year-old male driver of the road train was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to the Yass hospital for mandatory testing.
The body of the second driver was located and has since been identified.
It is believed that the driver of the B-double truck had gotten out of the vehicle after breaking down, and despite several alerts from other drivers over the radio, the road train collided into the back of the stationary vehicle, instantly sparking a fire that destroyed both vehicles.
The driver of the broken-down truck notified other drivers via radio of his predicament and activated all of his hazard requirements before leaving the vehicle.
Occurring just 17 days after the last truck crash, the latest incident has raised concerns for the now-perilous stretch of road.
Hume Police District Commander, Superintendent Linda Bradbury, said police were working closely with Transport for NSW and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to try to understand why so many heavy-vehicle incidents had taken place in the same location.
For all heavy-vehicle drivers who travel around the district, Superintendent Bradbury says she thanks them for their service, but implores drivers to ensure they are fully rested with no distractions, and to keep safe.
Officers attached to Hume Police District commenced inquiries on the 17th of July, with assistance from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
The Hume Highway at Breadalbane was reopened in both directions after several hours, with a contra-flow in place around the crash site.
Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward and contact Goulburn Police or Crime Stoppers on 18000 333 000.
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