A B-double truck, which was carrying a chemical fungicide, crashed through a barrier and rolled over on the Western Ring Rd in Tullamarine just before 2am on Friday. The driver, who was trapped in the truck, was finally freed by firefighters and rushed to hospital for observation. “Fire crews had to get access to the truck, to the cab, open the door and then, using some specialist equipment, to actually be able to remove him out of the vehicle.”Hazardous fumes are being released and Melbourne Victorian residents near the state’s largest airport have been urged to stay indoors. The affected area was mostly industrial, although there are also small number of homes within the 500m radius of the site.
Environmental Protection Authority officers also attended the scene. “This is a large incident,” assistant chief fire officer Craig Brownlie declared. A significant clean-up must be due. Specialist equipment is needed. About 40 firefighters were working to remove the spill. “There is currently no threat to the community, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions,” the alert read. Surrounding roads were cordoned off to create an exclusion zone.The Melrose Drive exit from the M80 Ring Rd Altona-bound remains closed, with airport commuters urged to use exits onto the Tullamarine Freeway or Airport Drive. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
