Major Traffic Disruption in Australia After Truck Spills Scrap Metal on Busy Highway

A truck spilling 750kg of scrap metal on the M1 Pacific Motorway in New South Wales resulted in at least 300 cars getting flat tyres and a 10-hour highway closure, prompting an extensive clean-up effort involving magnetic devices to deal with the sharp debris.

Hundreds of vehicles sustained flat tyres after a significant incident on one of Australia’s busiest highways, when a truck spilled 750kg (1,653lb) of sharp metal debris. According to authorities, the truck traveled approximately 30km (18 miles) before the situation was finally identified. The incident required city-bound lanes to close for several hours on Friday, leaving at least 300 cars with damaged tyres.

Reports from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service indicate that even some emergency vehicles were affected by the sharp metal shards. "A truck lost a load of scrap metal around 5am, causing extensive debris," they said. The truck's spillage took place on the M1 Pacific Motorway close to Ourimbah, north of Sydney, leading to a prolonged closure as crews worked to clear the road.

The highway eventually reopened around Friday afternoon after a tedious 10-hour clean-up. NJ Ashton, the trucking company's owner, apologized for the incident and stated that they were collaborating with authorities to facilitate the clean-up. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service emphasized the complexity of the situation, explaining, "It's not just a case of getting a road sweeper out or guys and girls with brooms. We are using some magnetic devices to attract the metal."

State roads minister Jenny Aitchison called the incident "unprecedented," citing the extraordinary operational challenge involved. "We're using all available resources to manage the clean-up; it's like trying to vacuum the highway—very complicated," she explained. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing, with police stating that the 46-year-old truck driver is fully cooperating. "We’re taking full responsibility for what’s happened and are deeply sorry for the damage and disruption caused," NJ Ashton affirmed, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the spill.