Motorists are now able to
travel on the Hunter Expressway at Buchanan following a truck crash
near John Renshaw Drive.
A contra flow is in place, with motorists using the eastbound carriageway to travel past the crash in both directions.
The diversion via the M1 Pacific Motorway and John Renshaw Drive has been lifted.
A southbound semi-trailer truck left the expressway and crashed just after 7 o'clock, spilling its load across the motorway.
Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the truck had lost its trailer and rolled down an embankment, injuring the driver and spilling the contents of the truck across the road.
It's understood the 55-year-old male truck driver suffered severe chest and head injuries and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
The crash detached the diesel tank, which resulted fuel leaking in a nearby water catchment.
Hazardous materials crews from Rutherford and Newcastle Fire Stations arrived on scene to contain the diesel spill and are currently working with the NSW Police, NSW SES and the NSW Rural Fire Service to render to area safe.
The clean-up operation is
continuing and there's a reduced speed limit, so motorists should slow down,
exercise caution and follow the direction of emergency services and traffic
crews on site.
Motorists should also allow extra travel time as traffic in the area is heavy.
Debris from the truck crash on the Hunter Expressway, Photos: Fire and Rescue NSW
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| Debris from the truck crash is strewn across the Hunter Expressway Photos: Cessnock VRA |
