A truck spill on the M1 Pacific Motorway has caused widespread traffic chaos after a truck carrying metal debris lost its load.
The incident occurred early Friday morning when a truck owned by NJ Ashton lost approximately 750 kilograms of finely ground steel, known as ‘flock’, between Palmdale and the Mooney Mooney Bridge.
The debris punctured tyres on more than 300 vehicles, forcing many to pull over along the southbound lanes.
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NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison described the situation as “unprecedented” and warned that the cleanup could take the entire day. “We are working with all the resources of government and the private sector to do the clean up,” she said.
“It is very challenging because small pieces of metal are very difficult to pick up, if you can imagine it’s like trying to hoover up the highway.”
Transport Management Centre coordinator Howard Collins said calls began coming in around 5am, with hundreds of vehicles affected. He noted that the metal came from a vehicle towing a trailer with scrap metal.
“The backdoor of that vehicle has come open and spread thousands of pieces of sharp metal all across the motorway,” he said.
“Hundreds of vehicles have had their tyres punctured by this metal.”
NJ Ashton spokesperson Daniel Falconer confirmed the company’s truck was responsible for the spill and pledged full cooperation with authorities. “Definitely our problem, we take full responsibility,” he said.
“If anyone needs any assistance, we’ll be paying for everything through our insurance.”
Emergency services, including NSW Police and the Rural Fire Service, are assisting with the cleanup, deploying sweepers and magnetic devices to remove the metal debris.
The southbound lanes of the M1 remain closed between Ourimbah and the Calga Interchange, with all southbound motorists being diverted onto the Pacific Highway at Ourimbah.
Authorities urge drivers to check their tyres and avoid the area if possible.