BP recalls trucks after triple fatality

Oil behemoth BP has taken its fleet of trucks off Victorian roads after one of its tankers was involved in a triple fatality this morning

A BP fuel tanker has been involved in an accident that claimed the lives of two women and a young child in Victoria's north this morning, prompting the oil company to pull its truck fleet off Victorian roads.

The accident occurred around 9.30am on the Yackandandah-Wodonga Road near Staghorn Flats, just south of Wodonga.

Victoria Police believes the truck was travelling south when the tanker became detached from the prime mover as it negotiated a left-hand bend. The trailer is believed to have drifted onto the wrong side of the road, where it collided with two on-coming vehicles.

A 67-year-old woman from Yackandandah in one vehicle and a 33-year-old woman and a four-year-old boy from Allans Flat in a second vehicle all died at the scene. The 50-year-old truck driver is assisting police with their investigations.

BP has released a company statement regarding the accident and has recalled its truck fleet in Victoria as a precautionary measure.

"We confirm that a BP truck was involved in an incident south of Wodonga, Victoria, this morning. We are deeply saddened that there has been loss of life," says the company.

"We can confirm that the incident did not result in the release of any fuel from the product tanker.

"In addition to fully supporting external investigations being conducted by the authorities, as a matter of precaution we have today recalled all of our Victorian trucking fleet."

At this early stage is it not known what impact BP's recall may have on Victoria's fuel supplies.

Police investigations are continuing; Victoria Police is appealing to any witnesses who saw the accident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

BP recalls trucks after triple fatality

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