All southbound lanes on the M1 Pacific Motorway between Ourimbah and Mount White have officially reopened, more than 10 hours after a truck spilled a load of sharp metal shards across the roadway. The early morning incident led to widespread traffic disruption and damage to hundreds of vehicles.
Dylan Anderson
Truck Spill Sparks Major Emergency Response
The chaos began shortly after 5am when a truck transporting 40 tonnes of scrap metal shed part of its load between Palmdale and the Mooney Mooney Bridge. Authorities immediately closed a 30-kilometre stretch of the motorway, triggering significant delays.
Emergency services and the Transport Management Centre (TMC) coordinated a large-scale cleanup operation. Sweepers, including magnetic equipment, were brought in to remove thousands of sharp metal fragments from the road.
Damage Reported to Hundreds of Vehicles
NSW Police received reports of damage to more than 300 vehicles. Many motorists suffered multiple tyre punctures, with some left stranded along the roadside in dense fog and peak hour conditions. The backlogs of B-double trucks unable to turn around only added to the traffic chaos.
Insurance and Accountability
The trucking company responsible, NJ Ashton, confirmed one of its vehicles was involved. The company stated that a mechanical failure allowed part of the load to escape. They have taken full responsibility and will cover damages through their insurance provider.
Dylan Anderson
Clean-Up and Recovery
Traffic tailbacks stretched over 40 kilometres at the height of the incident. TMC officials noted the rarity and complexity of the situation, with small shards of metal spread across multiple lanes. Specialized sweepers and emergency crews worked throughout the day to clear the road and assist stranded drivers.
Driver Safety Reminder
Motorists who travelled through the affected stretch after 5am are being advised to have their tyres inspected for potential damage. Authorities continue to monitor traffic conditions and urge drivers to remain cautious.
Incident Overview:
- Location: M1 Pacific Motorway, NSW (southbound lanes)
- Stretch closed: Ourimbah to Calga Interchange (approx. 30km)
- Time of incident: 5:00am, 2 May 2025
- Vehicles damaged: 300+
- Cause: Scrap metal spillage from NJ Ashton truck
- Clean-up duration: 10+ hours
Traffic has now returned to normal, but the incident serves as a strong reminder of the potential for unexpected hazards on high-speed roadways.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Gow
