M5 East tunnel crane crash: Machine rollover sparks traffic chaos as busy Sydney motorway closed
A crane rollover in the M5 East tunnel at Kingsgrove in Sydney’s south has sparked traffic chaos, forcing a complete closure of the motorway and significant delays.
The crane crashed just before 11.30am of Tuesday, with photographs showing the machine left lying on its side blocking lanes as well as damage to the tunnel’s wall.
One injury was reported, with a man in his 30s treated at the scene by paramedics and transported to St George Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.At first, only eastbound lanes were closed, but the closure was quickly extended to both directions as emergency services responded.
Citybound lanes are closed from Bexley Rd and westbound lanes are shut from General Holmes Drive. The Marsh St westbound on-ramp and the citybound on-ramp from Kingsgrove Rd have also been closed.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and are being asked to use the D5 detour in both directions.
Citybound traffic is already banking up and is expected to be hectic throughout the afternoon, with long delays expected as peak hour approaches.
Crews are on site working to remove the crane assess structural damage in the tunnel.
It’s not yet clear when the tunnel will reopen.
