A truck carrying tonnes of paper caught fire near Tarcutta overnight, affecting the Hume Highway for about six hours.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The B-double was travelling northbound on the highway at Lower Tarcutta Road when the fire began at about 11.15pm on Thursday.
One of two northbound lanes were closed for five hours during the extinguishing of the fire and recovery of the truck.
Five NSW Rural Fire Service vehicles were deployed.
A NSW RFS spokesperson said the driver of the truck escaped without injuries.
“He was able to detach the trailer that was carrying rolls of paper so only the paper was alight,” the spokesperson said.
“Each roll was about 2–3 tonnes in weight – a lane was closed by emergency services so they could recover and extinguish those rolls.”
RFS crew members also worked to contain hot spots.
Cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Live Traffic NSW reported the lanes being reopened at about 6am today.
The Riverina Police District and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command also attended and reminded residents about the new road rule surrounding stopped emergency vehicles.
“Please be mindful of the 40km/h rule in NSW for passing stationary emergency services vehicle with blue and red lights flashing,” THPC said.
"There is a good line of sight at this location with plenty of time to reduce speed safely.”
Read more
While you’re with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each day at 6am from The Daily Advertiser? To make sure you’re up to date with all the Wagga news, sign up here.
