A man was killed instantly yesterday when a double set of wheels broke away from a passing truck and struck him as he mowed grass along the Geelong Freeway in Victoria. The freak incident occurred just after 1.30pm (AEST) at the city-bound Williamstown Rd exit ramp, just before the West Gate Bridge at Spotswood.
It is believed one of the prime mover's axles seized, flinging the wheels off the truck. The wheels bounced off a dividing wall and into the man's path.
Paramedic crews were unable to revive the 52-year-old Rockbank man when they arrived at the scene.
He was a VicRoads worker and maintained the grass along freeways on the western side of the city. The driver of the transport vehicle, owned by Traianon of Bacchus Marsh, stopped when he realised the wheels were gone.
He was treated at the scene for shock.
VicRoads spokeswoman Kerilyn Wyatt said VicRoads staff had been offered counselling after the death of their colleague. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the man," Ms Wyatt said.
VicRoads and WorkSafe are investigating the incident. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.