At least one truck driver has died in a fiery crash on a highway near the Victoria-South Australia border this morning, prompting major delays as coronavirus travel restrictions were reinstated overnight.
Police believe three trucks caught on fire after one crashed into the rear of a stationary truck, which then slammed into the front of another about 2.20am on the Western Highway at Serviceton.
One of the trucks burst into flames, which then caused the blaze to spread to the other two vehicles.
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Victoria Police said man, who is yet to be identified, died at the scene.
"Emergency crews are still on scene and an investigation into the incident has commenced," a Victoria Police statement read.
The accident scene is about five kilometres north-east of the main border crossing into South Australia, with a queue of trucks and vehicles reportedly about 10kms long piling on to the closed highway.
https://twitter.com/VictoriaPolice/status/1359617586808254466The smash comes as travellers from Victoria rushed to dash over the border last night after the South Australian Government announced it would lock out Greater Melbourne amid the city's emerging coronavirus outbreak.
The Western Highway is closed at Serviceton in both directions, with a "significant detour" which adds up to 150kms to the journey into the border town in place.
"All vehicles heading toward Serviceton from Melbourne should divert down the Wimmera Highway from Horsham," a VicRoads alert read.
Drivers have been advised to use the Wimmera Highway through Natimuk, Edenhope to Naracoorte and then use the Riddich Highway to Keith, before using the Dukes Highway to travel to Serviceton.
A VicEmergency alert said the truck fire was currently "no threat to the community" but people should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
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