The shards were scattered along the southbound lanes, slashing the tyres of hundreds of vehicles driven by unsuspecting motorists.

Like trying to ‘hoover up the highway’

“We’re very lucky we haven’t had a fatality.”

A 20km stretch of the major arterial road connecting the Central Coast to Sydney was closed. Source: Supplied / NSW Fire and Rescue

Up to 380 cars may have been impacted, with light vehicles being more vulnerable to the shards that deflated the tyres, Aitchison said.

“We are using some magnetic devices, removing embedded metal in the highway itself.”

Transport for NSW’s Howard Collins warned cleaning the highway could take all day. Source: AAP / Flavio Brancaleone

A police investigation is also underway.

“However, for vehicles with damage to several wheels, we have been offering towing services… as of this morning, the wait time for roadside assistance or a tow truck was nearly two hours.”

Trucking company apologises