Head-on crash closes Pacific Motorway at Chinderah

A 74 year-old woman has suffered a broken leg and lacerations after two cars collided in a head-on crash on the M1 south of Tweed Heads.

A head-on collision between a red Kia sedan and a white Hyundai SUV closed the M1 at Chinderah this morning as multiple rescue crews attended the site.

The driver of the Kia, a 74-year-old woman, became trapped in her vehicle requiring NSW Fire and Rescue to free her.

She was attended to by NSW paramedics for a broken leg and lacerations.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called and the woman was flown to the Gold Coast University hospital in a serious but stable condition.

NSW Ambulance took the driver of the Hyundai SUV, a 28 year-old woman along with two girls aged seven and four, and a three-year-old boy to Tweed Hospital with minor injuries.

Inquiries into the crash are ongoing.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Joshua Smyth said they always prepare for a confronting and challenging scene for accidents on major motorways.

“Multiple units were assigned including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter,” Mr Smyth said.

“One vehicle was found in the northbound lane, while another was located in the southbound lane.”

Inspector Smyth said thanks to the multi-agency effort today’s rescue was straight forward.

Earlier

A head-on collision in Northern NSW blocked both lanes of the Pacific Motorway at Chinderah for about two hours.

Emergency services were called to the crash near the Tweed Valley Way off-ramp about 8.50am after reports of a head-on collision between two cars.

One person was trapped in their vehicle.

Two women and two children were involved in the crash.

One of two cars involved in a head-on crash at Chinderah which closed both north and south-bound traffic.

Volunteer Rescue attended to help retrieve occupants from the wreckage.

Rural Fire Service crews from Tweed Heads and Kingscliff cleaned up a spill from the crash and the M1 has since been cleared.

Northbound traffic is still affected with authorities advising motorists to expect delays and to drive with caution.

Tweed Valley Way at Dodds Road off-ramp where a two-car head-on collision occurred on Thursday.

Police launch Operation Labour Day

A statewide police operation will be launched over the October long weekend from 12.01am Friday 30 September 2022 and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday 3 October 2022.

The traffic operation is aimed at preventing further tragedies where a woman lost her life in a three vehicle crash on the Bruxner Highway in South Lismore on Wednesday.

Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will be assisted by general duties police from commands across the state, targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, and other traffic offences.

Double demerits will also be in place for the duration of the operation.

154 people have died so far this year in regional areas compared to 139 deaths in the same period last year.

Crash heading south in between Chinderah and Murwillumbah exits where a head-on crash occurred on Thursday. Picture: Steven Flanagan/ Facebook

Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, said there will be a significant number of vehicles on the roads as people come together over this long weekend, amid the school holidays.

“Holidays are for families and friends to spend time together safely, so we are pleading with motorists to help prevent further trauma by taking a few extra steps to ensure they plan ahead and manage their trips,” he said.

“This means not driving while you are tired, remembering to take breaks, not driving too fast, knowing the conditions, and refraining from alcohol and drug use if you’re getting behind the wheel.”

He warned those doing the wrong thing will get caught.

“We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely, and we need all drivers to assist us in preventing further tragedies on our roads.” Acting Assistant Commissioner King said.

One of two cars involved in a head-on crash at Chinderah which closed both north and south-bound traffic.

Head of Transport Safety, Security and Emergency Management at Transport for NSW, Peter Dunphy said this is likely to be an especially busy time on our roads, with people out and about for the long weekend and school holidays.

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy and sadly so far this year we have already seen 219 people killed on our roads, that is 24 more than this time last year,” Mr. Dunphy said.

“We want everyone to get out and enjoy the long weekend, but please do so safely, slow down and follow the road rules so everyone on our roads can get to their destination safely.”