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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Georgia Rossiter

Semi-trailer driver dies after two truck crash on Hume Highway

A driver has died in a major truck crash on the Hume Highway south-west of Goulburn on Friday morning, NSW Police have confirmed.

About 4.10am on Friday, July 17, emergency services were called to reports of a heavy vehicle crash and fire on the Hume Highway at Breadalbane, south-west of Goulburn, NSW Police said.

Emergency services were called to reports of a heavy vehicle crash and fire on the Hume Highway at Breadalbane at about 4.10am on Friday, July 17. Picture via NSW RFS.

Police were told the crash involved a road train and B-double truck, with the vehicles colliding while travelling north.

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said a 31-year-old man, whom police advised was driving the road train, was taken to Yass Hospital in a stable condition with minor head injuries.

Police said he would also undergo mandatory testing.

The person driving the other vehicle died at the scene and was yet to be identified.

Southern Tablelands RFS district zone manager, Krystaal Hinds, said one of the vehicles was fully engulfed when crews arrived.

"Initial reports were that one of the vehicles was most likely carrying aerosol cans," she said.

The other vehicle was laden with refrigerated goods.

Working with NSW Fire and Rescue, crews used breathing apparatus to directly attack the flames. Fire and Rescue also also brought a specialist Hazmat appliance from Sydney as a precaution.

Superintendent Hinds said about 10 crews were on scene from both fire services. The blaze was under control at 8.10am.

A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesperson confirmed a B double and a B triple semi-trailer were involved in the collision.

The Hume Highway is closed in both directions between the Barton and Federal Highways, with all traffic being diverted via Canberra. Picture via NSW RFS.

"One of the prime movers has been able to be moved away from the collision. However, the other semi-trailer and cab have been involved in the fire," the spokesperson said.

A Traffic Management Centre spokesperson said a tow truck was at the site and salvage would take place across the day.

The highway's northbound lanes between Yarra and Manton remained closed but southbound lanes have been reopened.

Northbound motorists can still use Barton Highway and the Federal Highway via Canberra and are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time.

Crews remain at the crash site while a clean-up and salvage operation continues.

It's the second major truck crash within weeks, after a fiery six-truck crash closed the highway at the same location.

For updates visit livetraffic.com

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