Two dead, more injured in horror crash on Sydney Harbour Bridge

Two men are dead and several other people injured after four cars and a bus collided on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, leaving traffic in chaos. The bridge has been reopened, but traffic delays remain.

Two people have died and several others have been injured in a horror smash on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, leaving the iconic landmark eerily quiet on Thursday afternoon.

Police said the deadly crash occurred about 1.30pm, after a driver crossed lanes on the Bridge for an “unknown reason” and collided head-on with another vehicle.

Emergency services rushed to scene to find four cars and a bus had collided.

The two men died at the scene, while a third man and a pregnant woman suffered minor injuries, and were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital. Paramedics confirmed the unborn baby was not believed to be injured.

Sydney City Police Acting Commander Acting Superintendent Clayton McDonald said early investigations suggested the crash was triggered after the driver of a blue hatchback veered into oncoming traffic for “some unknown reason” and collided with a white Hyundai.

Shocking dashcam of the incident shows the moment the vehicles collide, with the white Hyundai flying into the front of the bus as a result of the impact.

The scene on the bridge. Picture: Supplied

“The investigation is ongoing, but the Harbour Bridge is covered by cameras which are recording at all times,” he said.

“Initial investigations indicate the cause of the collision comes after a vehicle travelling in the northbound lane has veered across into the oncoming traffic in the southbound lanes resulting in the initial collision. A number of other collisions have occurred as a result.”

Both men who died were driving two of the vehicles involved. They have not been formally identified.

An injured person is transferred onto an ambulance. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Pedestrians (right side of picture) pass the crash scene. Picture: Richard Dobson

A spokesman for NSW Ambulance said 11 crews responded to the call out, including a rescue helicopter.

Horror vision from the scene shows two hatchbacks mangled beside a Lexus 4WD.

BRIDGE RE-OPENS, TRAFFIC CHAOS

The Bridge was closed for most of the afternoon, with Transport for NSW boss Howard Collins urging people to stay away from the area.

By early evening despite all lanes being open on the Harbour Bridge, Sydney commuters were still experiencing significant traffic delays between Cammeray, Mossman to Moore Park.

Peak hour traffic saw significant delays along all major roads leading to the harbour crossing.

NSW Transport Management Centre Spokesman Jamie Wallace said while buses are still running, travellers are heavily recommended to look at Sydney train and Metro services for afternoon and evening commutes.

“While buses are running on schedule, they are continuing to experience major delays and commuters should look to stay off the road,” Mr Wallace said.

“The Naremburn area down to the bridge still has a good three kilometres worth of traffic heading southbound on the Warringah freeway.”

There are currently no delays to train or metro services.

It is being recommended by NSW transport that anyone heading into the city for tonight’s Travis Scott concert allows plenty of time or consider using trains and metro services.

Mid-afternoon, traffic delays stretched back as far as the ANZAC Bridge and along the Western Distributor, with just one northbound lane on the bridge open.

Sydney Harbour Bridge with no traffic at 2.50pm.

Emergency services personnel work on crash victims. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Pedestrians, including tourists, were still able to use the pedestrian footpath on the eastern side of the bridge.

That walk brought them within 15m of the terrible crash site.

A few were stopping to take photographs or make videos. Most walked on after just taking a glance.

ARREST

Amid the afternoon emergency chaos, a motorbike rider was dramatically arrested at the scene of the Harbour Bridge crash, with almost six police pouncing on him.

The man crashed his bike after attempting to speed through the crash scene.

The man was arrested and put into a police paddy wagon, and his motorbike was removed from the scene.

He was taken to Day Street Police Station where he is assisting with inquiries.

Acting Supt. McDonald confirmed the unlicensed motorcycle rider had been arrested at the scene.

“While many drivers were waiting patiently … a gentleman riding a motorcycle entered the crime scene in an attempt to go past and get across the bridge,” he said.

“He drove toward police who stood in front of him and were able to stop him.

“He was taken off the motorcycle, and the highway patrol officer sustained a bruise to his leg and graze to his hand.”

The 24-year-old was charged with several offences on Friday morning, including: drive whilst suspended, drive unregistered vehicle, use uninsured vehicle on road, use vehicle on road without tax being paid, use vehicle with unauthorised number plate, disobey no entry sign, exceed speed, not comply with direction to stop (three counts) and knowlingly drive vehicle in manner which menaces other.

He was refused bail and will appear before Downing Centre Local Court today.

A motorcycle with a helmet on the handlebars just north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge crash scene.

The scene of the fatal multi-vehicle crash. Picture: Supplied