Barely a fortnight after six semi-trailers were destroyed in a fiery crash near Goulburn, the same stretch of the Hume Highway has claimed a truck driver’s life.

Around 4.10am this morning, Friday 17 July, a road train carrying groceries broke down near Breadalbane Road, 32 km south-west of Goulburn, and stopped in a traffic lane.

The 31-year-old driver left his vehicle, activated its hazard warnings, and alerted other drivers over his two-way radio.

A B-double carrying aerosol cans, struck the stationary truck from behind.

Both vehicles caught fire and were destroyed.

The driver of the second vehicle died at the scene.

Police were still working to identify them and notify their family on Friday morning.

The surviving driver sustained minor cuts and other minor injuries, and was taken to Yass Hospital for treatment and mandatory testing.

Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours. The aerosol cargo raised concerns about toxic smoke, and had still not been extinguished this morning.

The fatal crash occurred 17 days after six semi-trailers were destroyed in a collision at the nearby Windmills Rest Area on 30 June. All six drivers escaped that crash without injury.

Superintendent Linda Bradbury, Hume Police District Commander, said police were working with Transport for NSW and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to understand why several heavy-vehicle incidents had taken place recently.

She said police and highway patrol officers regularly conducted operations in the area aimed at reducing road trauma.

Supt Bradbury had this message for heavy vehicle drivers travelling the road: “Thank you for what you do, but please ensure that you’re fully rested, no distractions, and keep safe while you do a great job.”

The Hume Highway at Breadalbane has reopened in both directions. A contra-flow is in place around the crash site.

Police have appealed for anyone with dashcam footage or information about the collision to contact Goulburn Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.