DARNUM, VICTORIA — A man has died following a devastating B-double truck crash on the Princes Freeway in Darnum, West Gippsland, early Saturday morning, causing a significant fuel spill, major road closures, and disruptions to traffic and rail services.
According to Victoria Police, the B-double truck carrying fuel was travelling eastbound along the Princes Freeway, approximately 110 kilometres east of Melbourne, when the crash occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m. Investigators say the vehicle struck cable safety fencing before the driver’s cabin became separated from the two fuel trailers.
The detached cabin then veered off the roadway and crashed into nearby trees, overturning onto its side. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the driver, who is believed to have been the sole occupant of the truck, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
The crash resulted in a substantial fuel spill, prompting a major emergency response and the closure of sections of the Princes Freeway. Police have warned that road closures and detours are expected to remain in place for an extended period as specialist crews work to contain and clean up the hazardous spill.
The incident also caused disruptions beyond the immediate crash scene. Officers attended a secondary two-vehicle collision that occurred behind the truck crash, likely due to traffic congestion and changing road conditions. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that incident.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal rollover, including what caused the truck to leave the roadway and strike the cable barriers.
Victoria Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or observed the truck and its driver before the crash to come forward. Motorists with dashcam footage or additional information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
The investigation into the fatal Darnum truck accident remains ongoing.