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Truck driver fighting for life after rig plunges from bridge into river

A 21-year-old truck driver is fighting for his life after his rig crashed, plunging 20 metres off a bridge and into a river in regional Victoria.

The truck was travelling south at Woolamai, towards Phillip Island on the Bass Highway just before 10am when it veered off the road.

It hit a safety barrier and plunged down an embankment, into the Bass River.

A 21-year-old truck driver is fighting for his life after his rig crashed 20 metres off a bridge and plunged into the Bass River, in regional Victoria. Source: 7 News
A 21-year-old truck driver is fighting for his life after his rig crashed 20 metres off a bridge and plunged into the Bass River, in regional Victoria. Source: 7 News

The vehicle hit with such force that an axle and two wheels were left hanging on the bridge barrier.

The truck landed upside down with the driver, a 21-year-old Springvale man, trapped in the cabin.

The vehicle hit with such force that an axle and two wheels were left hanging on the bridge barrier. Source: 7 News
The vehicle hit with such force that an axle and two wheels were left hanging on the bridge barrier. Source: 7 News

Emergency services took an hour to cut him free then stabilise him under a bridge before air-lifting him to the Alfred Hospital.

“The vehicle itself has gone over the guard rail and then travelled a certain distance before it’s fallen off the left hand side of the bridge,” Sergeant Peter Pearce said.

Emergency services took an hour to cut the man free then stabilise him before air-lifting him to hospital. Source: 7 News
Emergency services took an hour to cut the man free then stabilise him before air-lifting him to hospital. Source: 7 News

“There are two avenues of inquiry: fatigue and distraction.”

The driver has undergone surgery and is in a critical condition with severe head injuries.