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 Melbourne west thoroughfare after cars queued around the block to score free fuel from a servo amid a $100,000 giveaway, sparking police intervention. Helicopter vision captured by 9News shows cars bumper-to-bumper along Leakes Rd in Truganina on Good Friday – some lining up for hours to top up their cars at the Liberty service station. Event organiser Billy Beasley said things “got a little bit out of hand” after an Instagram post announcing the $100k giveaway went off. Each car was limited to a $200 limit but the event – held in conjunction with a rewards club and announced on social media – was shut down by police an hour later. Some drivers ran out of fuel during the wait – one resorting to pushing his vehicle toward the pumps. “We didn’t expect this many people to show up. We got about 57 minutes in … and police came and shut it down. It’s completely fair enough,” Mr Beasley said. In a statement, Victoria Police said officers attended the Leakes Rd business about 7.30am to assist with traffic directions. “Leakes Rd became congested following a promotion at a service station where it’s understood free fuel was being handed out,” a spokeswoman said. “Police established several hazards due to the increased traffic and engaged event organisers. “Organisers worked with police and established an alternative way to run the promotion, which is understood to be in the form of vouchers that can be used later. “Three hours after being called, four police units remain on scene managing the risks associated with the increased traffic.”