Is this a real-life example of a Final Destination scene?

A video uploaded to Facebook by Dash Cam Owners Australia shows a Jeep owner getting their windscreen smashed in by a flying ceiling manhole while driving along the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in Melbourne’s south east.

The ceiling manhole wasn’t properly secured onto a truck that had merged onto the freeway, and it slipped off the side. The truck was also loaded up with plenty of other building supplies.

Although the ceiling manhole appears to be pretty light and floats through the air, it collides with the Jeep owner who was travelling 98km/h, causing the windscreen to smash.

It’s unclear if this Jeep is a Wrangler or Gladiator, as both have a virtually upright windscreen. It’s also unclear if the driver was harmed in the incident.

In Victoria where the incident occurred, if an unsecured load causes harm to people, or damage to the property or the environment, it is listed as a severe risk breach that requires both individuals and companies to be liable and taken to court.

In the worst-case scenario, the individual driving the vehicle with the unsecured load can receive a maximum fine of up to $16,119, and the company they’re working for can get fined up to $80,595. There’s also a court fee of up to $11,000.

VicRoads claims over 80 tonnes of debris is removed from Victorian roads each month, with 700 call-outs to collect debris each year.

What are you thoughts on this incident? Was it avoidable? Let us know in the comments below.

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Jack Quick

Jack Quick is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne. Jack studied journalism and photography at Deakin University in Burwood, and previously represented the university in dance nationally. In his spare time, he loves to pump Charli XCX and play a bit of Grand Theft Auto. He’s also the proud owner of a blue, manual 2020 Suzuki Jimny.

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