The white truck was traveling on the M80 Ring Road towards Altona, in Melbourne’s southwest, around 4pm on Thursday when a tool used to maintain conveyor belts fell into the back.

The 46-year-old Deer Park woman was driving in the opposite direction when the tramp crossed the highway and collided with her car.

The woman, who was the sole occupant of the car, died at the scene.

The truck driver reportedly failed to stop at the scene and was last seen heading towards Altona.

The deadly crash caused significant delays Thursday evening, halting traffic for several hours.

Police believe the equipment that came loose from the truck was a Riv-Nail Driver system.

“The piece of metal is believed to be a Riv-Nail Driver, a specialist tool designed to service conveyor belts, particularly in industries such as mining, manufacturing and food processing,” Victoria Police said in a press release.

“The tool is part of a system for installing rivets to securely attach metal clips to the end of conveyor belts.”

Detectives would like to speak to the driver of the truck and are asking anyone with dash camera vision to contact police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.