Molasses truck rollover closes M1 Princes Motorway near Dapto, NSW

What happened

Incident Overview

A crash involving two trucks on the M1 Princes Motorway near Dapto caused a B-double carrying about 10,000 litres of molasses to roll and spill its load across the roadway. Two drivers were seriously injured and taken to hospital, with one reported in a critical condition at the scene. The motorway was closed for hours while emergency services and contractors managed the spill and vehicle recovery.

• Crash Date: Not specified (just after 10pm)
• Location: M1 Princes Motorway near the Kanahooka Road overpass, Dapto, NSW

• B-double truck carrying about 10,000 litres of molasses
• Rigid truck

• Fatalities:
  • None reported
• Injuries:
  • Driver of the B-double — serious injuries; treated at the scene and flown to St George Hospital; later reported in a stable condition
  • Driver of the rigid truck — serious condition; taken by ambulance to St George Hospital

The closure caused significant delays for motorists travelling north, with southbound traffic also affected by intermittent stoppages while emergency services worked at the site. Authorities warned drivers to allow extra travel time and follow directions from on-site personnel.

Emergency Response

• NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, the Traffic Management Centre and officers from Lake Illawarra Police District attended, with crews arriving within minutes of the Triple Zero (000) call.
• One driver was transported by helicopter to St George Hospital and the other was taken by road ambulance to St George Hospital.
• The M1 was closed for about 10 hours, with northbound lanes reopening after 8am; motorists were urged to use the Princes Highway as an alternative during the clean-up.

Investigation

Police established a crime scene and specialist officers from the NSW Police Crash Investigation Unit examined the circumstances of the collision, which caused extensive damage to both vehicles. Police said the driver of the rigid truck would undergo mandatory testing as part of the investigation.

• No charges announced
• No court appearances announced

Appeal for Information

Police have appealed for anyone with information, including dash-cam or mobile phone footage, to come forward.

• Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
• Policelink: Call 131 444.