Coffs doctor Mark Henschke fighting for his life in hospital after bike and garbage truck smash

The well-known cyclist, who trains medical students at Coffs Harbour hospital, is fighting for his life after he collided with a garbage truck while out riding. Read the latest.

A week on from an horrific accident doing what he loved - cycling with mates around Coffs Harbour - a highly respected retired doctor is still fighting for his life.

Mark Henschke collided with a garbage truck on busy Sawtell Rd about 7.20am on Thursday, November 10, when he wound up crushed under its wheels, sustaining severe lower leg injuries.

The Daily Telegraph understands the 72-year-old has lost the lower part of one of his legs and is fighting for his life at Gold Coast University Hospital.

A hospital spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, November 16, that Mr Henschke was still in a critical condition.

He is widely known and well-respected in the Coffs Harbour area and teaches medical students at the UNSW Rural Clinical School at Coffs Harbour hospital.

Well wishes have been building on the Coffs Coast Advocate Facebook page - many remembering his compassion and care as a rural obstetrician in towns including Armidale from the early 80s through to 2009 before he moved to Coffs Harbour.

Mark Henschke teaching medical students how to apply a cast. Picture: Facebook

Fellow cyclist Roy Doutreband said Mr Henschke was out riding with about four others and was at the front of the group at the time of the incident.

“He came off the bike somehow, nobody really knows,” Mr Doutreband said.

It is believed the truck was pulling out from the curb after emptying a bin, when the collision happened.

Fellow cyclists were in shock following the collision involving one of their riding mates and a garbage truck at Toormina on Thursday morning, November 10. Picture: Frank Redward

Garbage truck and cyclist crash at Toormina on Thursday, November 10. Picture: Frank Redward

A 28-year-old man, who was driving the garbage truck at the time, was taken to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital for mandatory testing.

In the confronting scene that unfolded, his fellow bike riders and passing drivers stopped to render assistance and they have been praised for their brave efforts by NSW Ambulance Inspector Chris Wilson.

“It was quite chaotic at times,” Mr Wilson said.

“I would like to thank the members of the public who did a fantastic job assisting with this patient and the paramedics on scene.”

He has also urged the community to take extra care on the roads coming into summer.

“We wish the public to take care on our roads and be extra vigilant this holiday season particularly,” Mr Wilson said.

Sawtell Rd - which runs from the Pacific Hwy at Boambee, and through Toormina towards Sawtell - is a notorious stretch.

Locals spoke out about its dangers following a horror accident there in June 2021.

Mr Doutreband has been cycling in the area for almost 20 years and would like to see more bike paths.

Roy Doutreband at left with Mark Henschke third from left at back present a cheque at Coffs Harbour hospital in 2017 after the Tour de Rocks Charity Bike Ride.

He says Australia has some of the most aggressive drivers in the world.

“I’ve gone to Europe and driven there and when I come back I am always shocked. Australian drivers are just so aggressive,” Mr Doutreband said.

He says Mr Henschke has done the Tour de Rocks Charity Bike Ride many times and was planning to do the next one in April.

It is a three-day event from Armidale to South West Rocks.