Truck ‘jack-knifed’ to avoid Riddoch Highway collision

DAMAGE LIMITED: A truck braked heavily on the Riddoch Highway on Tuesday to avoid a collision near Penola.
DAMAGE LIMITED: A truck braked heavily on the Riddoch Highway on Tuesday to avoid a collision near Penola.

THE Riddoch Highway was down to one lane for much of Tuesday after a truck “jack-knifed” to avoid a collision just south of Penola.

At around 12.40pm a B-double truck was travelling along the major arterial route when it had to brake harshly to avoid a crash.

It is understood the heavy vehicle, which was transporting grain, was forced to take evasive action when a vehicle towing a caravan performed a U-turn on its approach.

Mount Gambier Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said the truck “jack-knifed” as a result of the sudden stop.

“It left the south bound lane blocked for several hours while emergency services awaited for it to be towed,” Snr Sgt King said.

Country Fire Service crews from Wattle Range attended the incident to assist police.

They were called back once the truck was removed to complete a minor clean-up of the road.

The road was re-opened in both directions late Tuesday afternoon.

There were no injuries as a result of the incident.