A family of ducks crossing the Kwinana Freeway in Perth is believed to have triggered a six-car pile-up during the morning peak hour on Friday. Traffic cameras captured the ducks, including two adults and five ducklings, crossing five lanes of city-bound traffic near Canning Highway around 8am.
Vehicles came to a halt to allow the ducks to cross, but an accident involving six cars occurred further south. The ducks became trapped by a concrete barrier separating the freeway from the centre rail line. Several cars, including a bus, stopped, and people attempted to guide the ducks back to safety.
It is unclear how the ducks accessed the freeway, which is protected by a concrete barrier. The crashed vehicles were piled up under the Canning Bridge, and tow trucks arrived at the scene.
This marks the second consecutive day that ducks have caused peak-hour disruption at the same location. On Thursday, traffic backed up from Como to the Mount Henry Bridge as motorists and workers in high-vis vests tried to guide ducks to safety.
Main Roads noted that it is breeding season for ducks and urged motorists to be vigilant. A spokesperson stated, 'Main Roads cannot confirm if the traffic incident was caused by ducks on the freeway. However, Main Roads urges motorists to exercise extreme caution and remain in their vehicles if they encounter ducks or other wildlife crossing busy roads. If you see ducks, ducklings or wildlife attempting to cross a freeway or road, stay in your car and call for assistance.'
