The driver of a B-double – laden with an estimated 50 tonnes of freight – has been arrested following a pursuit of almost 70km along Pacific Highway on the North Coast.
Just after 8pm on Saturday (February 16), police began receiving multiple calls to Triple Zero reporting that a heavy vehicle with no headlights was being driven erratically northbound on the Pacific Highway, swerving between lanes and running over guard posts.
Highway Patrol intercepted the B-double at Glenugie, about 20km south of Grafton, and directed the driver to stop.
But police allege the driver instead attempted to run the highway patrol vehicle off the road and a pursuit was initiated.
Highway Patrol followed the vehicle north along the highway to the Grafton township, where a caged police truck was positioned to stop southbound vehicles as a precaution.
Police will allege the driver of the B-double side-swiped the empty truck as he was driving through the town.
The pursuit continued through the town and a further 50km north before the driver stopped on the Mororo Bridge at Chatsworth Island.
Police allege the driver resisted attempts to remove him from the cabin before he was taken into custody.
The 48-year-old driver, from Nerang in Queensland, was taken to Grafton Base Hospital for mandatory testing, and due to concerns he was allegedly under the influence of illicit drugs.
He has been kept in hospital for observation due to concerns for his health.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police are requesting that anyone who witnessed, or has dashcam vision of, the incident contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.
What is going on? How are these maniacs given the job? So lucky no innocents killed. Also the petrol tanker exploding in Qld due to a tire blowout, come on surely these trucks are prepared to handle such emergencies. Sooo over this cowboy trucking industry, where is OHand S? Check the stats heavy vehicles are way over represented in fatal road crashes.