A driver of a B-double truck has died after a horror crash with a road train on the Hume Highway in the NSW Southern Tablelands. Photo: NSW Rural Fire Service.
A man has been confirmed dead in a fiery early-morning crash near Goulburn.
At about 4:10 am today (17 July), emergency services were called to the Hume Highway at Breadalbane (about 32 km south-west of Goulburn), following reports of a heavy vehicle crash and fire on its northbound lanes.
NSW Police say a road train carrying aerosol cans and a B-double crashed, sparking the blaze which destroyed both trucks before firefighters could extinguish it.
Earlier today, a police spokesperson said the driver of the B-double was “unaccounted for”.
The Hume Highway remains shut to northbound travel. Image: LiveTraffic NSW.
Commander of Hume Police District, Superintendent Linda Bradbury, confirmed that the driver of the latter truck had died at the scene.
The victim has not yet been identified.
She said one of the trucks had broken down on the highway after a mechanical issue before the other rear-ended it.
The driver of a road train – a 31-year-old man – was treated at the scene. He was taken to Yass Hospital for mandatory testing.
She said his injuries were minor, describing them as “lacerations”.
Superintendent Bradbury warned that salvage operations will take several hours.
According to LiveTraffic NSW, motorists should expect delays when travelling through the area.
The highway has reopened under changed conditions.
“Contraflow traffic conditions are in place to allow motorists to pass in both directions,” the alert states.
This morning’s crash is the second truck crash near Breadalbane, after a six-vehicle incident on 30 June.
For the latest traffic updates, motorists can visit Live Traffic NSW.
Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward and contact Goulburn Police or Crime Stoppers by calling 18000 333 000.
