Hume Freeway truck fire causes explosions heard across Broadford

MORE than 20 Country Fire Authority, CFA, vehicles fought a fire on the Hume Freeway at Broadford for several hours last night after a truck ignited, spilling oil across the road.

The CFA was notified of a trailer fire on the Hume Freeway at 11.11pm, and upon arrival crews found a truck ablaze, reporting ‘a large amount of oil’ on the road, with the fire having spread to the grass as well.

Broadford residents reported hearing audible explosions not long after 11pm.

Twenty-three CFA vehicles attended the scene including tankers and support crews, with additional support from Fire Rescue Victoria, FRV, and State Emergency Service, SES.

Crews fought for hours to contain the blaze, and the scene was declared under control at 3.40am.

The Hume Freeway was closed to traffic in both directions for several hours.

A Department of Transport spokesperson said the freeway was closed northbound just after 11.30pm, with detours via the Northern Highway.

The right-hand lane was opened northbound at 6.20am this morning, but the left-hand lane remains closed as the clean-up continues. There are currently delays of up to 20 minutes northbound on the Hume Freeway from the Broadford exit.

Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app. The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.

A CFA spokesperson said the cause of the fire had not been determined.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said there were no reported injuries.