A truck driver has had a lucky escape after an improperly restrained load of timber smashed through the cabin of his vehicle at Dry Creek this morning.
About 8.30am on Thursday 24 September, police and emergency services were called to the intersection of Grand Junction Road and Churchill Road, Dry Creek after a number of large timber planks became dislodged from a rigid truck.
It will be alleged that the truck was travelling east on Grand Junction Road and had slowed for traffic lights when the load shifted forward. Several timber planks penetrated the rear window of the cab, exited through the front windscreen and slid into the intersection, creating a significant hazard for other road users.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
The incident caused major traffic disruption while emergency services attended and the roadway was cleared.
Members from the Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit attended and conducted a detailed inspection of the vehicle and load restraint system.
As a result of investigations, the driver, a 57-year-old Craigmore man, was reported for a severe risk load restraint breach under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
Police also identified defective suspension components on the truck, resulting in a defect notice being issued.
Enquiries are continuing.
This incident serves as a timely reminder of the importance of correctly restraining loads and maintaining heavy vehicles. Failures in load restraint can have catastrophic consequences and place all road users at risk of serious injury or death.
249576
