By AIDAN KNIGHT
A TRUCK carrying a log loader collided with the disused briquette bridge heading towards Traralgon last Friday (June 26).
A ute then collided with the truck, causing significant delays.
The incident occurred around 1pm in Morwell at the Churchill/Federation University exit off ramp.
A ute belonging to a local tradesperson collided with a truck carrying a Tigercat log loader at high speed.
The freeway was closed by 1.24pm as police worked to allow emergency service access.
Traffic was diverted around Monash Way and Princes Drive, Morwell before returning to the thoroughfare affected.
The Express witnessed an air ambulance arrival at 1.40pm, and there was in excess of 10 police vehicles on the scene, three ambulances (excluding the chopper), and two SES units.
A source close to this masthead reported the incident happened when the truck struck the disused bridge with the Tigercar. The boom-gate machine arm of the loader was not entirely lowered.
This caused the truck to suddenly stop and pivot dramatically, before flipping sideways and then returning upright.
The boom-arm of the Tigercat snapped off from the impact and travelled forward.
Both vehicles were allegedly travelling at the speed limit of 110 km/ph.
The driver operating the ute suffered a concussion.
The truck driver was catalputed from the cab through the windscreen upon impact.
Emergency crews reportedly took some time to locate the truck driver after he came to rest on the grass beside the roadway.
The truck driver was airlifted to hospital and remains in a stable condition.
