A dramatic truck fire has forced the complete closure of Geelong Ring Road, creating traffic chaos during the Thursday morning commute and sparking a major emergency response.
Emergency Response to Blazing Truck
Firefighters rushed to the scene near the Princes Highway overpass after reports emerged of a heavy vehicle engulfed in flames. Multiple Country Fire Authority (CFA) units worked tirelessly to contain the intense blaze, which sent thick, black smoke billowing across the key transport corridor.
The incident occurred during the critical morning travel period, catching countless motorists off guard. Authorities confirmed the truck was carrying a full load, though the exact nature of the cargo remained under investigation as emergency crews focused on extinguishing the fire.
Major Traffic Disruption Across Geelong
The closure has created a traffic nightmare across the greater Geelong area, with the Ring Road completely blocked in both directions. Motorists faced extensive delays as police implemented significant diversions around the incident site.
Traffic management crews worked to redirect vehicles away from the closed section, but the sudden closure of such a critical artery caused congestion to spread through alternative routes. Commuters reported standstill conditions on surrounding roads as the morning progressed.
Victoria Police issued urgent warnings to drivers, advising them to completely avoid the area and seek alternative travel routes. The significant disruption affected not only private vehicles but also commercial transport and delivery services throughout the region.
Ongoing Investigation and Cleanup
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, with investigations expected to continue once the scene is made safe. The condition of the truck driver remains unconfirmed at this stage.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of major transport routes to unexpected closures and the cascading effects on urban traffic networks. Transportation officials warned that cleanup and recovery operations would likely extend through the morning, with no immediate timeframe for the road's reopening.
This marks another significant incident on Victoria's road network, following similar truck-related closures in recent months. The Geelong Ring Road serves as a crucial bypass around the city and connects major regional and metropolitan routes.
