Drivers stranded in deluge as pothole wreaks road chaos
Dozens of motorists were stranded on a highway near Melbourne after heavy rain concealed deep potholes, causing significant vehicle damage. The road, which had recently undergone construction, failed to withstand the weather conditions, leading to widespread traffic disruption.
Why it matters
The incident highlights infrastructure quality concerns and the vulnerability of road networks to extreme weather events.
— 11:26am , first published August 10, 2026 — 9:00am
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Share A A A Dozens of motorists were left stranded on the side of the Princes Highway on Monday morning after a series of potholes east of Melbourne concealed by heavy rain wrought havoc on their vehicles.
Michael Westall will need to pay $1300 to have the front driver’s side tyre and wheel on his BYD Sealion replaced after he hit a crater – the second pothole to affect his car in the three months he’s owned it.
Michael Westall surveys the damage to his front tyre. Joe Armao “I’ve lost two tyres and one wheel before it’s even got its first service,” Westall said. “If my kids weren’t in Victoria, I’d move.”
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