Stuck Trucks Receive Warm Welcome

What could have been a high-stress and intense situation instead became a much welcome break for 150 truck drivers forced to stop in Coolgardie and Norseman after fires in the region put a halt to their journeys this weekend.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services put in place a series of road closures last Friday after a fire near the Goldfields Highway intersection at Widgiemooltha made travelling along the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway too dangerous for drivers.

Heavy haulage vehicles headed over east were stopped in Coolgardie and Norseman until roads reopened on Sunday morning.

Coolgardie’s Recreation Centre co-ordinated efforts to provide the visitors with free meals courtesy of Woolworths Kalgoorlie and Church West Coolgardie, with toilet, shower and internet facilities also available for free at the centre.

There had been positive reports from the drivers, who had collectively raised about $500 by the end of their stay to thank Coolgardie residents for their hospitality and show their appreciation for how well they had been looked after.

Norseman also played host to a group of about 50 truck drivers.