THE trailer of a B-double fuel tanker was left seriously damaged on Friday evening after it caught fire while travelling on the Glenelg Highway in Tarrington.

Hamilton Police acting sergeant, Jarrod Pye, said the incident “could have been a lot worse” but was able to be controlled quickly due to the driver’s fast thinking.

“There was some mechanical issue with the trailers of the truck and they caught fire, which led to a small grass fire in the area which the CFA (Country Fire Authority) were able to put out,” he said.

“The driver managed to disconnect the trailers and move the truck (cabin) to a safe location, and called emergency services and tried to put the fire out himself.”

The driver of the truck did not sustain any injuries from the fire.

A CFA spokesperson said emergency services arrived quickly to the scene after the incident was reported about 4.57pm on Friday.

“11 CFA units from Hamilton, Grange, North Hamilton, Strathkellar, Tarrington, Bainbridge and Hensley Park responded to reports of a fuel tanker on fire on Glenelg Highway in Tarrington,” they said.

“Crews discovered fire spreading to nearby grass.

“(The) incident was deemed under control at 5.20pm (and) was deemed safe at 6.09pm.”

Act Sgt Pye said a Hamilton divisional van and Highway Patrol Unit attended the scene to help with traffic management. 

“Two police vehicles attended the scene where officers assisted with blocking off the road,” he said.

“Police conducted traffic management until the road was cleared and able to be fully reopened around 5am Saturday morning.

“The truck was removed and the area was repaired by VicRoads before being open for traffic as usual.”