Echuca crash causes traffic delays and power outages

By Ivy Jensen

Oct 1, 2019

A crash in Echuca has caused traffic chaos and extensive power outages which are expected to last a few hours.

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Sergeant Paul Nicoll of Campaspe Highway Patrol said a ute towing a trailer with agricultural machinery on Ogilvie Ave experienced a mechanical malfunction and crashed into a power pole at the corner of McKenzie St about 10.18am.

"It's snapped the concrete power pole off at the base and the harvester is wrapped around it," he said.

The collision has caused power outages to 325 customers, with electricity not expected to be restored until about 5pm.

The traffic lights at the Ogilvie Ave and High St and Ogilvie Ave and Haverfield St intersections are also out, with Echuca police managing traffic while the scene is being cleared.

"It's down to one lane and the traffic is horrendous,"Â Sgt Nicoll said.

"It's absolute chaos, the traffic is backed up everywhere, so motorists should expect significant delays because it will be some hours before the problem is solved."

The CFA has relocated its appliances to the other side of the Campaspe River in case of an emergency and Ambulance Victoria has been advised to do the same.

The man driving the ute has been fined for using an unsafe vehicle.

By Ivy Jensen