悉尼M5高速公路东向隧道因一个故障通风扇需要更换，周三早期被关闭超过6小时，导致超过13公里的车流备堤[1]。该隧道共配置147个通风扇，故障发生在约早上4时16分被发现[1]。运营商Transurban在约上午5时后做出关闭决定，以进行维修工作[1]。
Transurban总经理Denise Kelly表示"安全是第一位的"[1]，说明公司因安全考量决定立即更换故障扇。这次事件反映出该隧道自2001年完成以来长期存在的运营问题[1]。新南威尔士州州长Chris Minns随后表示政府将向Transurban寻求其维护计划的说明，以及重复发生类似事故可能性的答复[1]。
A malfunctioning ventilation fan forced authorities to close Sydney's M5 eastbound tunnel for over six hours on Wednesday morning, creating a traffic backup stretching more than 13 kilometres during peak commute hours.[1] The fault was identified around 4:16 am, with the closure implemented shortly after 5 am to allow operator Transurban to replace the defective unit immediately.[1]
Transurban cited safety as the primary reason for the urgent repair, with General Manager Denise Kelly stating that "safety is the priority."[1] The eastbound tunnel contains a total of 147 ventilation fans, and the decision to conduct the replacement during morning rush hour resulted in significant traffic congestion affecting thousands of commuters.[1] Premier Chris Minns subsequently indicated that the government would seek answers from Transurban regarding maintenance protocols and the likelihood of similar incidents recurring.[1]