The driver of this truck was trapped for 90 minutes after colliding with a van on Westernport Road, Heath Hill, on Wednesday. By Jade Lawton
A WOMBAT crossing Westernport Road caused mayhem in Heath Hill last week.
A van and truck collided after the van struck a wombat just before 5.30am on Wednesday.
Both vehicles ended up on opposite sides of the road, with the truck crashing into a tree.
The truck driver, in his 30s, was trapped for 90 minutes.
Paramedics from Drouin and Pakenham, the Lang Lang Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and about 20 CFA volunteers attended the crash.
Ambulance Victoria Group Manager Paul James said there was extensive damage to the truck.
“The truck driver was trapped from the waist down and initially paramedics couldn’t see his legs, or assess whether he suffered any chest or abdominal injuries,” he said.
“Paramedics treated the man throughout the hour-and-a-half rescue operation. He was given fluid through a drip and pain relief.
“Once rescue crews were able to cut him out of the wreckage, he was removed on a spineboard and placed on an ambulance stretcher.
“Paramedics could then do a full assessment, and treat fractures to his right leg. The leg was placed into an air splint, which keeps the leg still.
“An intensive-care flight paramedic continued treating the man while he was flown to The Alfred hospital in a serious condition,” Mr James said.
Two men from the van were also hurt. Both were taken by road to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition. The wombat did not survive.
Lang Lang CFA captain Mark McPherson said motorists should drive with extra caution during dusk and dawn in rural areas.
“Remember nocturnal animals are more likely to be on the roads at this time and are difficult to see,” he said.
