Princes Freeway Accident Today: Car Fire Closes Melbourne-Bound Lanes in Berwick, Victoria
A car fire on the Princes Freeway in Berwick, Victoria, caused significant traffic disruptions on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after emergency services closed multiple Melbourne-bound lanes near O’Shea Road.
According to an update shared by Transport Accident Report – Australia Wide, three Melbourne-bound lanes were initially closed just after O’Shea Road because of a vehicle fire. Emergency services were called to the scene to manage the incident and assist with traffic control.
The incident prompted delays for motorists travelling toward Melbourne, with drivers advised to approach the area carefully and consider alternative routes.
Emergency Services Divert Traffic After Vehicle Fire
An update posted at approximately 11:43 a.m. indicated that the fire was under control. However, emergency services continued managing traffic and directing Melbourne-bound vehicles off and on the Princes Freeway at O’Shea Road.
Motorists were instructed to follow directions from emergency personnel and consider using the Princes Highway as an alternative route while the freeway remained affected.
The vehicle fire created challenging conditions for drivers approaching the affected section. Traffic movements were also restricted as emergency crews worked around the incident.
Drivers Report Significant Delays Near Berwick
People commenting on the traffic update described lengthy delays and difficulties accessing the freeway.
One motorist reported being stuck near the BP service station just before the incident, explaining that vehicles were unable to enter the highway normally. The driver said traffic had barely moved over approximately 30 minutes.
Other motorists asked for additional information about the incident and whether traffic conditions had improved.
A commenter also expressed concern about a family member who reportedly had been involved in a vehicle accident that day. However, the available information does not establish whether that person’s vehicle was connected to the Princes Freeway incident.
What Drivers Should Know
Motorists travelling through Berwick should remain alert to changing traffic conditions and follow instructions from police and emergency services.
The Princes Highway was recommended as an alternative for Melbourne-bound drivers while the freeway diversions were in place. Drivers should allow additional travel time and avoid approaching the affected area unless necessary.
As of the 11:43 a.m. update, the vehicle fire was reported to be under control, but traffic diversions were still being managed.
Further details about the vehicle involved, the circumstances that caused the fire, and whether anyone was injured had not been confirmed in the available traffic report.
The incident serves as a reminder for motorists to exercise caution around emergency scenes and leave sufficient space for emergency vehicles and response crews.
