Pacific Highway closed in both directions after serious truck crash

A man is fighting for his life after his vehicle and a truck were involved in a head on crash at Ballina after a police pursuit. A critical incident investigation has been declared.

Emergency services have been called to a serious truck crash at West Ballina.

A man is fighting for his life after his vehicle and a truck were involved in a head on crash at Ballina after a police pursuit.

Police said a critical incident investigation has been declared after the ‘low-speed’ police pursuit.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attempted to stop a vehicle on the Pacific Highway, Ballina about 7.35pm on Friday.

When the vehicle failed to stop a low-speed pursuit was initiated, police said.

A short time later the man’s vehicle and a truck were involved in a head on crash.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

The Pacific Highway was closed in both directions at West Ballina just south of the Bruxner Highway.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area.

Officers from Richmond Police District and the Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) are attending the crash.

It is understood emergency crews at the scene included police, Highway Patrol, NSW Ambulance, Police Rescue and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area.

Diversions are:

● Northbound: Exit the Pacific Hwy at Woodburn to use the Woodburn-Coraki, Casino-Coraki Rd to Casino. Then Bruxner Hwy to Ballina via Lismore to re-join the Pacific Hwy at West Ballina.

● Southbound: Exit the Pacific Hwy at West Ballina to use Bruxner Hwy to Casino via Lismore. Then Casino-Coraki Rd and Woodburn-Coraki to re-join the Pacific Hwy at Woodburn.

Motorists should allow an extra 90 minutes of travel time.