Emma Pritchard

A heavy vehicle driver was lucky to escape uninjured after crashing into a large tree which had fallen across the Big River Way at Glenugie last week as wild weather and high winds swept across the region.

The incident occurred shortly after 4am on May 30 and closed the road in both directions for more than an hour.

Crews from Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station attended the scene along with officers from the Coffs/Clarence Police District.

Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station Deputy Captain Chris Rumpf said branches from the tree had ruptured the heavy vehicles 500L diesel tank, and a hazmat tanker from Grafton also attended the scene to assist with the clean-up.

Deputy Captain Rumpf said the incident could have been a lot worse, and the driver was fortunate to walk away unharmed.

Sue Chapple from Grafton SES said despite the recent wild weather, local units only received two call outs for help.