Melbourne Freeway Gridlock: Roadworks Cause Multi-Vehicle Crash

Melbourne Freeway Chaos: Road Damage Causes Peak-Hour Traffic Nightmare A major traffic incident on Melbourne's Princes Freeway caused significant delays during peak hour on Wednesday morning. The cause? A large metal plate, part of a road expansion joint, popped loose, causing a chain reaction of accidents. At least seven cars and a truck were involved in the collisions, one of which was a rollover. The incident occurred between the Princes Hwy at Werribee and Duncans Rd, completely blocking Melbourne-bound lanes. "Imagine driving into that in the darkness," said 7NEWS reporter Paul Dowsley, standing next to a large, damaged metal plate. "The impact of that." The plate, weighing an estimated 200kg and about two centimeters thick, created a hazardous situation for motorists. The truck's load of diesel spilled onto the freeway, adding another layer of complexity to the cleanup efforts. Absorbent material was used to address the spill and prevent further accidents. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the plate's failure and who is responsible for the roadworks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper road maintenance and safety. Repairs are underway, but commuters faced hours of delays during the morning rush hour.