Police are hunting for a motorist who ‘left the scene’ of horror eight-car crash which killed an Irish tradesman – as drivers blame ‘dangerous’ M4 off-ramp for the fatal accident.
The 36-year-old man died at the scene after his car was hit by a truck carrying beer kegs on an M4 off-ramp at Mays Hill, in Sydney’s west, about 5.50am on Thursday.
Police believe 11 vehicles were involved in the early morning crash but only 10 hung around.
Police are hunting for a motorist who ‘left the scene’ of horror eight-car crash which killed an Irish tradesman
Harrowing images from the scene in the aftermath of the fatal crash showed cars crumpled
Investigators have released a statement urging the driver to come forward as they believe he or she find could help clarify the circumstances of the fatal crash.
Crash Investigation Unit Commander, Inspector Katie Orr said: ‘We want to speak with this driver to find what they know about the events leading up to the crash.’
‘We also want to speak with any drivers who may have witnessed the crash and left the area or have relevant dash-cam footage.’
Police are not suggesting the unknown driver caused the crash.
The accident occurred at the Church Street off-ramp, the last eastbound exit before distance-based tolls apply.
The Parramatta to Homebush toll was introduced in 2017 and the exit became flooded with motorists trying to avoid the extra cost by veering off the motorway.
A traffic barrier was introduced in July 2018, between the ramp and through lanes on the M4, to ‘prevent drivers attempting to merge at high speed’.
‘This work will create a single lane exit to Church Street, to help improve the safety for motorists approaching and using this off ramp, improve traffic flow and reduce traffic queues,’ Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) said at the time.
The accident occurred at the Church Street off-ramp, the last eastbound exit before distance-based tolls apply
Despite attempts to clean up the exit, members of the public have slammed the dangerous accident following Thursday’s fatal accident.
‘How many more lives are going to be lost until they fix the exit for Church Street,’ one person said on Facebook.
‘The only clarification leading to this accident is the M4 toll,’ another said.
‘That exit is so dangerous. So many signs warning to slow down but idiots don’t and now someone has to lose a life,’ said another.
The Church Street exit is only worse during peak hour, according to the motorists.
The Parramatta to Homebush toll was introduced in 2017 and the exit became flooded with motorists trying to avoid the extra cost by veering off the motorway
‘That off ramp is dreadful at peak hour. Something needs to be done by RMS to rectify the traffic pilling up way back down the M4. RIP young man,’ one person wrote.
Many agreed the traffic chaos of the off-ramp in peak-hour encouraged motorists to ‘cut the queue’.
‘Looks like someone tried to cut the queue, like they always do,’ another wrote.
‘They need to fix that off ramp as people are always cutting in and accidents always happen.’
One person wrote that closing the Church Street exit would be a ‘better solution’.
According to the RMS, tolls between Parramatta and Homebush cost $1.77 to $4.56 for cars and motorbikes, or between $5.30 and $13.67 for heavy vehicles.
The M4 west of Parramatta is free to use and makes up more than 80 per cent of the motorway.
The crash caused huge delays at peak hour with cars backed up 15 kilometres – as commuters were urged to get the train instead of drive
Five people were treated in hospital for various injuries and all drivers were required to undergo mandatory testing.
The crash caused huge delays at peak hour with cars backed up 15 kilometres – as commuters were urged to get the train instead of drive.
The Transport Management Centre was urging motorists to ‘avoid the M4 at all costs’.
Traffic was diverted onto the Great Western High around the crash site and the fatal accident caused traffic disruptions for more than five hours.
All citybound lanes have now re-opened.