Astonishing CCTV footage from inside the Burnley Tunnel captures the moment a fuel tanker inadvertently moved into the path of a Mitsubishi Pajero while signaling to change to the left outbound lane at approximately 9:15 p.m.
As the Pajero was caught between the truck and the tunnel wall, sparks and debris scattered dramatically across the scene.
The situation came to an abrupt halt when the fuel tanker driver applied the brakes, stopping both vehicles in their tracks.
Emergency services arrived on the scene within minutes, and, incredibly, no one sustained any physical injuries.
Traffic was at a complete standstill as heavy machinery was deployed to separate and remove the vehicles from the tunnel.
Transurban, the toll road operator, stated that the tunnel is monitored around the clock and confirmed that their crews were on-site within four minutes of the incident.
While crash rates in tunnels are relatively low, research shows drivers often “respond differently in enclosed environments”, Transurban said.
“That’s why we’re encouraging motorists to avoid unnecessary lane changes in tunnels and high-speed areas,” a spokesperson said.
“It’s a simple behaviour that can make a real difference in preventing serious incidents.”
The driver of the truck received a penalty infringement notice for performing an unsafe lane change.
