Driver Phil Riddell, believed to be from Wagga, died at the scene after his truck caught fire soon after colliding with a tanker, about 7.30pm on Friday night.

Mr Riddell was travelling northbound and was about 20 kilometres from Holbrook when he collided with the back of a stationary tanker.

Police said the tanker stopped on the highway due to mechanical faults and the second truck was unable to stop and hit it from behind.

Emergency services and paramedics attended but Mr Riddell died at the scene.

Family and friends took to The Border Mail’s website yesterday to leave their tributes.

“You will be forever in our hearts and not a day will ever pass without you in my thoughts,” wrote one.

“RIP to a true family man and a forever mate to us all,” said another.

The tanker’s driver was not in the vehicle at the time and suffered no injuries.

The Hume Freeway near Woomargama was closed northbound almost all day Saturday as salvage crews cleared the site from the crash and fire; the truck had been carrying a cargo of magazines.

Northbound traffic was diverted.