A truck driver emerged unscathed after his vehicle burst into flames following a crash on the M1 Pacific Motorway near Maclean in northern New South Wales.
The incident unfolded shortly after 6am, as the B-double truck collided with a barrier on a section of the highway east of the Maclean township, subsequently rolling down an embankment onto the median strip.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The New South Wales Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
According to Live Traffic reports, the crash has led to significant disruptions, with southbound lanes shuttered to traffic.
However, northbound lanes have since been reopened.
Cars are being diverted via the Maclean township, and heavy vehicles are being parked until the road can be cleared.
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos and congestion, with traffic backed up for over 500 metres in both directions.
Authorities report that the truck was transporting car parts and building supplies, none of which were flammable.
Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.