A truck driver has died after the B-double he was driving crashed on the Princes Freeway in Victoria’s southeast early Saturday morning.
Emergency services were called just before 6.30am near Darnum after the fuel-laden truck, travelling east, struck cable barriers on the side of the freeway.
Police said the impact caused the “driver’s cabin to disconnect from the two trailers” before crashing into nearby trees.
The driver, believed to have been the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.
A large fuel spill has forced significant road closures and detours, which are expected to remain in place for some time as emergency crews work to make the area safe.
Some train services have been affected, with V/Line services between Warragul and Traralgon suspended. Coaches are replacing trains between Warragul and Traralgon. Some services between Traralgon and Southern Cross have also been cancelled.
Officers also responded to a separate two-vehicle collision that occurred behind the crash. No one was injured.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, saw the truck beforehand, or has dashcam footage is urged to contact police.
