General News
20 September, 2024
Truck tippings a call for careful driving
Drivers are being asked to exercise patience after two incidents in the past week saw trucks tip over - one which led to the deaths of 180 sheep.
The first, on Thursday September 12, delayed traffic along Dimboola-Rainbow Road between Jeparit and Rainbow as workers scrambled to clear the scene.
Emergency services were called around 7.40am, and found a small work truck had tipped onto the shoulder of the corner.
CFA crews discovered the truck was issuing smoke and monitored the scene, while Ambulance Victoria personnel assessed the driver and determined he had no injuries.
The scene was cleared later in the day.
The second incident, about 10.30am on Sunday September 15, involved a Western Star B-double truck travelling east and carrying more than 600 sheep, which overturned on Western Highway near Kiata.
Agriculture Victoria and Hindmarsh Shire Council staff were on scene to assess the injured animals, while SES volunteers worked with Victoria Police to extract them from the wreckage.
Inspector Dianne Thomson said the driver was suspected of having a suspected medical episode.
He sustained minor injuries from the crash, and was conveyed to Wimmera Base Hospital for assessment.
"The B-double left the highway to the right hand side, passed through the surrounding trees and travelled approximately 300 metres in the paddock parallel to the highway before it struck a tree and overturned," Insp Thomson said.
"180 sheep were either deceased or had to be euthanised."
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage, or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au