Traffic chaos as Melbourne servo gives away $100,000 worth of fuel, cars bumper-to-bumper as police shut down event

Traffic chaos erupted on a major street in Melbourne’s west after cars lined up around the block to get free fuel from a servo in the middle of a $100,000 giveaway, prompting police intervention.

Helicopter footage taken by 9News shows cars colliding bumper to bumper along Leakes Rd in Truganina on Good Friday; Some queue for hours to refuel their cars at the Liberty service station.

Event organizer Billy Beasley said things got “a little bit out of control” after the Instagram post announcing the $100,000 giveaway.

The limit for each car was $200, but the event, organized in conjunction with a rewards club and announced on social media, was shut down by police an hour later.

When some drivers ran out of fuel during the wait, one had to push his vehicle towards the pumps.

“We didn’t expect that many people to show up. We had about 57 minutes… and the police came and closed the door. That’s totally fair,” Mr Beasley said.

In a statement, Victoria Police said officers were on Leakes Rd to assist with traffic direction. He said he joined the business around 7.30am.

“Leakes Street was blocked following a promotion at a service station which appeared to be giving away free fuel,” a spokesman said.

“Police identified several dangers due to increased traffic and the involvement of event organisers.

“The organizers worked with the police and identified an alternative way to run the promotion, which appeared to be in the form of vouchers that could then be redeemed.

“Three hours after being called, four police units remained on scene to manage the risks posed by increased traffic.”