Basically we were all at the semi vs bdouble fatal a few weeks ago & I decided to do the extracation at a secure location. So the primemover had to be separated from the trailer, so someone (the local truck people where we were going with the primemover)asked the guys doing the fire cover (Monash) to pull the primemover out from under the trailer, the problem which failed to be considered was the brakes on the primemover were locked on. Winding the Maxi's off wasn't an option as it was interfering with evidence, pumping air into the system wasn't an option either as the compressor & associated piping were destroyed in the accident. We had called a lowloader and large mobile crane, however individuals decided not to wait & sadly the CFS guy's were happy to assist, despite words of warning from us (I had seen this all before & it didn't work that time either). I believe the placement of the chain & the forces involved (remember the primemover has four rear tyres locked on bitumen)pulled the rear tailshaft out of the gearbox. It was not the fault of the local CFS guys as they were following the advice of the local "experts".
Just remember your trucks not designed to drag stuff! Anyway I hope I haven't dropped anyone in it & as I said they were given dud advice & it was a very long day (12 hours for that crew), so don't be too critical of them.
cheers