Driver has miracle escape after car crushed by trucks
A driver has had a miracle escape after his car was crushed between two trucks in the Burnley Tunnel this morning.
Domenic Zema's Toyota Rav4 may be a complete write off, but thankfully he escaped the crash in one piece.
The 25-year-old was on his way to work when his vehicle became sandwiched between two trucks in the busy tunnel at round 9.30am.
Mr Zema, a head chef, says he was slowing down in the right hand lane of the tunnel when he was shunted by a truck travelling behind.
The impact sent Domenic's car careering into the truck in front, trapping his vehicle in between.
Although shaken up, Domenic says it is a miracle that he escaped the crash unharmed.
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"I'm in complete shock," Domenic told 7News.
"I was in the tunnel in the right hand lane and I was slowing down.
"There was bumper-to-bumper traffic and I was well and truly ahead, then I stopped. The guy behind me couldn't brake in time and slammed into me.
"I opened the door and I got out - It was the best moment of my life.
"Thank God there was no one in the back seat."
Paramedics say they breathed a sigh of relief when they arrived at the scene of the accident to find Domenic standing beside his car inside the tunnel.
Paramedic Bill Briggs said Domenic was lucky to be alive.
"The vehicle in the middle was completely written off," he said.
"The rear wheels had been pushed so far in that they were sitting under the driver’s seat. There was also significant damage to the front of the car.
"How the driver escaped with no major injuries is really quite amazing.
"He was actually quite surprised that he was all in one piece. He was looking at his vehicle and couldn’t understand how he escaped without more serious injuries.
"I would have to say that he is one of the luckiest people that I have attended.
"Given the impact force, it’s absolutely staggering that he hasn’t sustained serious injuries."
The pile-up has caused traffic chaos for commuters, with queues stretching back to the Westgate and Bolte Bridge.
The two truck drivers also escaped the accident without injury.
Domenic said the smash brought an abrupt end to what had been a good morning.
"I was having such a good morning as well," he said.
"I was looking forward to going to work today, I gout up happily, but no it's not happening."
