The Pacific Motorway was thrown into chaos yesterday afternoon when a truck was reportedly hit by a large flock of birds.

The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle causing it to jackknife on the Nerang River Bridge.

The truck rolled, exploding into a fireball that sent plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, causing gridlock on the major highway for hours following.

View photos Images of the huge fire that broke out on the M1 southbound lane at Nerang. Source: 7 News. More

View photos The truck fire broke out on the Gold Coast yesterday afternoon. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin. More

A Southport man has been hailed a hero after he assisted in the rescue of the shaken truck driver.

Athen Barnaby 33, selflessly climbed onto the truck's cabin and pulled the dazed driver from the blazing wreckage.

View photos Athen Barnaby performed the dangerous rescue yesterday afternoon. Source: Facebook. More

View photos Hero Athen Barnaby, posted the above message to his social media page. Source: Facebook. More

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