Four dead, one injured in 'tragic' NSW holiday car crash
Four people have been killed and one person injured in a horror two-car crash in the Southern Tablelands on Friday morning.
Emergency services were called to the Barton Highway at Jeir – north of Canberra – about 6.45am following reports of a crash between a Ford Ranger utility and a Mitsubishi Triton utility.
The crash occurred between two utes.
The driver and passenger of the Mitsubishi, a 52-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man, died at the scene.
The driver and rear passenger in the Ford, both men aged in their 20s, also died at the scene. They have not been formally identified.
Another man – a passenger in the Ford – was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police believe some of those who died were locals, highway patrol commander Tracy Chapman said.
“Two cars with multiple deceased is, no doubt, a scene that is horrific,” Chapman said in Newcastle on Friday.
“But, ultimately, our thoughts are with the family, the friends and the local community that will no doubt feel the impact of these deaths.”
The crash brings NSW’s road death toll to six in just one day, Chapman said.
Police have so far detected 39 people driving over the blood alcohol limit, 69 people positive to drug tests and 1700 infringements, including more than 600 for speeding.
“Drive to the speed limit, drive to the conditions, don’t drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol … and focus on the road and not your phones,” the commander said.
NSW Police said in a statement that a crime scene was established and investigations were ongoing into the cause of the collision.
“As inquiries continue, anyone with dashcam vision or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
The Barton Highway remains closed in both directions at Jeir.
The Rural Fire Brigade from nearby Wamboin said it was a “tragic” reminder for motorists to drive to the conditions over Easter.
“It’s a reminder that people’s lives can change forever in a matter of seconds,” the brigade wrote on Facebook. “An MVA (motor vehicle accident) is something that many RFS brigades have to deal with, and something we or any emergency service don’t want to attend. Stay safe everyone.”
The Transport Management Centre advised motorists to avoid the area and said there was no time frame for when the highway would reopen.
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Southbound traffic on the Barton Highway is currently being diverted at Murrumbateman via Murrumbateman Road and Sutton Road.
“Northbound traffic from Canberra should use the Federal Highway, Murrumbateman Road and Sutton Road to join the Barton Highway at Murrumbateman,” a statement from the centre said.
“Motorists should continue to allow plenty of extra travel time and follow the directions of emergency services and traffic crews on scene.”
In Sydney, motorists across the city are also facing major Easter weekend delays.
Until 4.30am on Tuesday, three southbound lanes of the Harbour Bridge were closed for roadworks, before major delays were faced near Pyrmont due to the Good Friday rush at the Sydney Fish Markets.
Heavy holiday traffic is also being felt at the NorthConnex tunnel and Pennant Hills Rd to the M1, as well as on the Hume Motorway near Narrellan Rd.
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