Two males have died and 5 kids have been hospitalised following a horror multi-vehicle crash on a serious NSW freeway, days after Christmas.
Emergency companies rushed to the Nice Western Freeway at Wallerawang, 15km north of Lithgow, following a five-car crash about 12.50pm on Friday.
Police stated an Isuzu D-MAX, travelling east and towing a motorbike trailer, collided with a westbound Toyota HiLux.
The Toyota then struck a Hyundai Tuscan, inflicting it to depart the street and trapping the occupants.
In the meantime the Isuzu struck a Kia Carnival head on, and a fifth automotive, a Nissan Patrol travelling behind the Isuzu, struck the motorbike trailer.
The 42-year-old male driver of the Isuzu, and the 49-year-old man behind the wheel of the Kia had been trapped and died on the scene.
Twenty-one folks had been handled for various accidents, together with a 41-year-old lady and 5 kids – aged between 5 and 15 – who had been travelling within the Kia.
All six had been taken to hospital the place one youngster stays in a important however steady situation. The opposite 4 kids stay steady and the lady has since been launched.
The 55-year-old male driver of the Hyundai and his two passengers additionally stay in steady circumstances, whereas the 39-year-old and 42-year-old drivers of the Toyota and Nissan had been taken to hospital for necessary testing.
Addressing the media on Friday night, NSW Police Detective Superintendent Paul Glinn stated it appeared one of many automobiles concerned veered onto the mistaken aspect of the freeway.
“It will seem {that a} car has crossed to the wrong aspect of the street, however as to the precise circumstances as to what led as much as that occasion and the collision that occurred and what flowed thereafter might be decided in coming days,” he stated, describing it as a “vital scene.”
Detective Superintendent Glinn stated drivers must decelerate over the busy vacation interval.
“There’s lots of people which are on holidays, lots of people travelling on roads,” he stated.
“Drive to the circumstances, decelerate. Each time you get behind the wheel you should make good selections, and finally your answerable for what happens to make sure the protection of your self and your passengers.”
Native NSW state MP and opposition roads spokesman Paul Toole informed the ABC the group is “hurting” following the crash.
“It’s stunning information and everyone seems to be sending their condolences to these households and family members which were concerned in that critical accident,” he stated.
“It has a far-rippling impact in our native communities.
“I do know the police haven’t recognized these which were concerned within the incident, however we all know it will trigger a whole lot of heartache and loss.”
In the meantime, Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill is urging drivers to watch out on the roads.
“Two folks have died in an horrific crash outdoors of Lithgow,” he wrote on Fb.
“Presently of yr, and in vacationer areas like ours, there could be some frustration on the roads with sporadic site visitors and folks not essentially figuring out the place they’re going.
“Please drive at or beneath the velocity restrict and take it simple. We wish folks house and secure on the finish of the summer season break.”
Police are analyzing the crime scene and are persevering with an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report might be ready for the Coroner.
In 2023 to date, 349 folks have died on NSW roads — 70 greater than on the identical time final yr.