A truck driver has died and five people in two other vehicles were rushed to hospital following a multi-vehicle collision on the Hume Freeway south of Violet Town last Friday afternoon, 17 April. Emergency services were called to the freeway near Harrys Creek Road following reports a B-double truck was involved in a collision just before 1.30pm. Victoria Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the fatal crash, but it is believed the B-double collided with a road workers truck and then veered across the median strip where it clipped a car, before rolling into the drain and catching fire. The B-double driver, identified as a 57-year-old man from Orange in NSW, tragically died at the scene. The driver of the second truck was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the four occupants of the car were taken to hospital for observation. The Hume Freeway was blocked in both directions between Violet Town and Balmattum while Benalla Highway Patrol officers investigated the collision, with the southbound lanes of the freeway re-opened on Saturday afternoon. At least six CFA units attended to scene as well as a hazardous materials specialist vehicle from Fire Rescue Victoria. The Euroa Gazette believes fertiliser and herbicide leaked from one of the trucks. Police say the investigation into the fatal collision is ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
