The New England Highway has been closed in both directions at Moonbi following a serious crash involving a truck and a car, with NSW Police confirming that the male driver of the car died at the scene.
The crash occurred about 2.46pm near the intersection of the New England Highway and Wellington Street, approximately 4 kilometres north of Moonbi. As of 6pm, the highway remains shut in both directions while emergency services work at the scene, and the road is expected to remain shut for some time.
Multiple agencies attended the scene, including police, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue crews, Transport for NSW, NSW DPI, a rescue helicopter, and a heavy vehicle tow truck.
Officers attached to Oxley Police District attended and located the B-Double truck carrying cattle overturned.
The driver of the sedan – a man believed to be in his 30s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.
The front passenger of the sedan was treated by paramedics, before she was taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
The rear passenger, a child, was uninjured and taken to hospital for assessment.
The male driver of the truck was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
The truck involved is understood to belong to a well known Armidale transport company and was carrying 54 head of cattle at the time of the collision. Several animals reportedly broke free following the crash, adding to the complexity of the response. NSW DPI, with the assistance of police, moved the animals to nearby land for assessment, however two have been euthanised.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and use the signed diversions, with significant delays expected.
For travel between Tamworth and Glen Innes, all vehicles are advised to use Manilla Road and the Gwydir Highway via Warialda in both directions.
For light vehicles only, northbound traffic from Nemingha is being diverted via Nundle Road, Ogunbil Road, Nowendoc Road, Topdale Road, Thunderbolts Way, Derby Street, Fitzroy Street, and the Oxley Highway, rejoining the New England Highway at Bendemeer.
Southbound light vehicle motorists from Bendemeer are being directed along the Oxley Highway, Fitzroy Street, Derby Street, Thunderbolts Way, Topdale Road, Nowendoc Road, Orgunbil Road, and Nundle Road before reconnecting with the highway at Nemingha.
Authorities have advised drivers to allow extra travel time and follow all instructions from traffic controllers and emergency personnel.
There is no word yet on the extent of injuries, with one person evacuated by helicopter. The road is expected to be closed for some time while police investigators are on site. Further updates are available from Live Traffic.
Officers established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report on the incident will be prepared for the information of the Coroner. As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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