As a result of the collision the tanks are currently lying side by side and are leaking fuel from both tanks onto the freeway and drains.
CFA crews are attempting to contain the spill by damming the area. Monitoring equipment is showing explosive vapour levels and as a result both directions of the freeway have been closed.
It is believed the tanker contains 57,000 litres of distillate (diesel) and 16,000 litres of Vortex petrol.
This will be a long duration incident and CFA currently have over 20 units on scene.
“The tanker was carrying both petrol and diesel, and this mixture eats into the tarmac. A section of the road may need resurfacing,” said Incident Controller Gerry Hauke. “The fuel mixture is a solvent on tar.
“This is one of the worst fuel spills on the freeway for a long time.”
The two occupants of the vehicles have been treated by paramedics but only have minor injuries.
An "Incident Under Control" was placed on the call at 10:49pm. EPA are on scene and are monitoring the containment of the spill. Decanting began just after 01:00am.
UPDATE: Decanting now complete. Cranes are preparing to recover damaged tanks. Soil cleanup beginning and both sides of the freeway are still closed.
All images by Warren Mitchelson - CFA photographer (unless stated otherwise in caption)
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