The incident occurred around 5 am and caused significant disruptions, forcing city-bound traffic to a standstill for nearly 10 hours. Authorities reported that at least 300 vehicles suffered damage, with emergency responders also affected. The spillage went unnoticed for 30 kilometers (about 18 miles), complicating cleanup efforts as metal shards embedded in the highway surface presented further challenges.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service was quick to respond, emphasizing the unusual nature of the incident. "We are not just using regular cleanup methods, as the metal needs to be magnetically extracted from the road,” said state highway patrol commander Howard Collins during a press briefing.
The truck, owned by NJ Ashton, prompted apologies from the company as they joined forces with state authorities in the complex cleanup effort. "We're taking full responsibility for what's happened and are very sorry for any damage and disruption that's been caused," the company stated online.
State roads minister Jenny Aitchison described the situation as "unprecedented," underscoring the challenges faced by response teams as they worked diligently to clear the road. As police inquiries into the incident continue, the 46-year-old truck driver remains cooperative, contributing to the investigation into how the spill occurred in the first place.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service was quick to respond, emphasizing the unusual nature of the incident. "We are not just using regular cleanup methods, as the metal needs to be magnetically extracted from the road,” said state highway patrol commander Howard Collins during a press briefing.
The truck, owned by NJ Ashton, prompted apologies from the company as they joined forces with state authorities in the complex cleanup effort. "We're taking full responsibility for what's happened and are very sorry for any damage and disruption that's been caused," the company stated online.
State roads minister Jenny Aitchison described the situation as "unprecedented," underscoring the challenges faced by response teams as they worked diligently to clear the road. As police inquiries into the incident continue, the 46-year-old truck driver remains cooperative, contributing to the investigation into how the spill occurred in the first place.
