A Deep Pothole on Princes Highway at Nar Nar Goon Causes Widespread Damage to Vehicles
A Pakenham resident, Bronwyn Drummond, faced a daunting situation when her car hit a massive pothole on the Princes Highway at Nar Nar Goon, causing damage to over 20 vehicles. The incident occurred on a Saturday during heavy rain, forcing drivers to pull over into the emergency lane to change tyres or wait for assistance.
Ms. Drummond, accompanied by her three children, experienced a harrowing moment when a loud bang indicated the impact. She described the scene as chaotic, with 30 cars pulled over and multiple near-accidents. The family's car suffered two blown tyres, and the vehicle in front had also hit the pothole, causing them to slam on their brakes and pull over.
The aftermath of the incident was a long wait for help, with Ms. Drummond's husband arriving two hours later. The road was closed for an extended period, causing inconvenience and frustration for drivers.
The financial burden of the repairs is a significant concern for Ms. Drummond, who estimates the cost to be in the thousands. With the family already struggling with bill payments, the prospect of covering the repair expenses is daunting.
The incident highlights the critical issue of road maintenance, particularly the lack of resurfacing and resealing works during summer periods, as mentioned by Victorian National Party leader Danny O'Brien. This neglect, according to O'Brien, contributes to the formation of potholes, as water seeps into the road, leading to further damage.
Another driver, Michelle Snape, encountered a similar situation while driving home to Warragul. She waited for hours for roadside assistance due to the high volume of calls. The pothole, described as a metre long and half a metre deep, filled with water and was nearly invisible, posing a significant risk to other drivers.
The incident underscores the need for improved road maintenance and the potential dangers of potholes, especially in low-visibility conditions. The Victorian Department of Transport has been contacted for further comment on the matter.
