Dirty Creek: Car and truck crash between Coffs and Grafton sparks critical incident investigation

Police have revealed more information about the teen who allegedly did a U-turn and smashed into a truck on the highway while fleeing from police north of Coffs Harbour.

Police have revealed more information about the teen who allegedly did a U-turn and smashed into a truck on the highway while fleeing from police north of Coffs Harbour on Thursday morning.

The 19-year-old is from the Gold Coast holds a Queensland driver’s license and is known to police in that state.

Assistant Commissioner David Waddell addressed the media on Friday morning saying the 19-year-old’s condition has improved.

“Initially the man’s condition was critical but now he’s serious but stable,” Mr Waddell said.

Assistant Commissioner David Waddell in Coffs Harbour on December 13.

 

This is the second critical incident for the Coffs/Clarence Command this week.

Mr Waddell said it’s “very uncommon” for police from one command to have two incidences so close together but it was not a reflection on the officers.

“I think they’re very professional and they do a very good job in terms of those critical incident investigations.”

The critical incident investigation near Dirty Creek was sparked after the 19-year-old allegedly chucked a U-turn and smashed into a truck on the highway while fleeing police.

Traffic backed up at the site of the accident at Dirty Creek between Coffs Harbour and Grafton on Friday morning, December 12

About 7.45am on Thursday, police were patrolling the Pacific Highway at Tucabia, about 15km east of Grafton, when they attempted to stop the vehicle due to its alleged speed.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop a pursuit was initiated but soon terminated due to the manner of driving.

Shortly afterwards a second pursuit was initiated before the car allegedly conducted a U-turn at Dirty Creek – crashing into the path of an oncoming truck.

Hai Lee, a woman who witnessed the chase and drove past the crash, said “it was shocking to see it ended that way”.

“There was debris all over the road and the truck driver was just sitting with his head back rested on his seat.”

Traffic lined up near Dirty Creek between Coffs Harbour and Grafton following a crash on Friday morning. Picture: Facebook

The 19-year-old male driver of the car was treated at the scene by police and paramedics before being taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the truck was a 50-year-old man and he was not injured but was taken to Grafton Hospital for mandatory testing.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Pacific Highway at Dirty Creek is expected to remain closed northbound for some time.

Diversions are in place but extensive delays are expected.