A truck driver has died following a collision between two trucks on the M1 Motorway south of Newcastle. The crash occurred in the southbound lanes at Morisset, about 30 kilometres south of Newcastle.
Police confirmed that a male driver died before emergency responders arrived. The driver of the second truck, a 57-year-old man, was uninjured. Lake Macquarie Police have cordoned off the area as investigations continue.
All southbound lanes are closed, and diversions are in place. Transport Management Centre spokeswoman Bronwyn Martin said the southbound lanes would be closed for a considerable time due to the police investigation. Motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible.
Northbound lanes remain open, though one lane was temporarily closed to allow emergency crews to turn around vehicles. Long queues have been reported in the southbound lanes, and northbound traffic has also been affected. Heavy traffic is expected on Wyee Road and along the diversion route.
The M1, which links Newcastle to Sydney via the Central Coast, is one of Australia's busiest motorways. Motorists who need to travel are advised to expect significant delays.
