Defence vehicles crash during flood rescue efforts, injuring 13

Thirteen people have been injured, some of them seriously, after two Australian Defence Force (ADF) vehicles crashed near the flood-hit town of Lismore in northern NSW.

Initial reports said 36 personnel were injured, but the ADF later clarified that 13 were injured in the crash at Tregeagle, the ABC reported.

A rescue operation got under way after an army tanker rolled south of Lismore.Credit: Nick Moir

A Defence spokesperson said it was 13 injured, although there were 36 personnel in total on board the two vehicles.

Emergency services were called to Tregeagle, nine kilometres south of Lismore, just after 5pm on Saturday after receiving reports two ADF trucks had collided, police said.

A joint statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described the incident as serious.

“A short time ago there was a serious vehicle incident involving two Australian Defence Force vehicles near Lismore,” they said.

“Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need. Right now our focus is on the welfare of those involved and their families.”

Sydney Morning Herald photographer Nick Moir was travelling from Coraki to Lismore when he came across the accident on Tregeagle Road.

Initially, Moir assisted in triage and first aid before ambulance, local RFS and police rescue arrived to begin the rescue operation of three trapped ADF personnel.

Eighteen ambulance resources have been deployed to the scene, along with officers from Richmond Police District and specialist rescue units.

Nine News has reported eight of the personnel were seriously injured.

A NSW Police spokesperson said officers from the crash investigation unit would investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Tregeagle Road was closed, and members of the public were urged to avoid the area.

A Department of Defence spokesperson said the vehicles were providing community support to Lismore following ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

“A number of ADF personnel have been injured,” the spokesperson said.

“The welfare of ADF members and their families is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved.

“Due to the developing nature of the incident, no further information will be available at this time; however, Defence will provide further updates when possible.”

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.