Firies clean up Tugun Bypass oil spill in rapid time
FIREFIGHTERS were first on scene to what could have been a nightmare on the Pacific Hwy after a tow truck broke down and lost oil just before peak hour yesterday.
Tweed Heads NSW Fire and Rescue station officer Steve Sharp said firefighters were about 500m from the Kennedy Dr exit northbound on the highway when the tow truck came to a "screeching halt".
"The truck completely lost its transmission," he said.
"It just locked up."
The leaked oil, about 20l, was cleaned and nobody was hurt but firefighter Sharp said the driver wasn't impressed given the gearbox was relatively new.
Firefighters were so close to the scene after being called to a smoke hazard on a median strip of the highway.
Firefighter Sharp said it was likely caused by a cigarette butt thrown out the window.
"It was a grassfire," he said.
"It was smouldering and causing a smoke hazard on the highway."
Reader poll
How often do you use the Tugun Tunnel?
This poll ended on 12 September 2013.
Current Results
Daily
26%
Weekly
46%
Monthly
0%
Occasionally
20%
Never
6%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
