Newell Highway crash leaves one man dead, another fighting for life

A man has died, and another was left fighting for his life, following a fiery highway collision between four vehicles, in which two of them burst into flames.

Paramedics arrived at the scene following reports of a multi-vehicle collision on Thursday afternoon.

A man has died after a four-vehicle crash in central west NSW, where both a car and cattle truck burst into flames along a major regional highway.

A NSW Police statement confirmed paramedics arrived at the Newell Highway, Daroobalgie, about 150km south of Dubbo, following reports of a multi-vehicle collision on Thursday afternoon.

The driver of a charcoal Ford Everest died on the scene before emergency services arrived.

His 31-year-old male passenger was treated by paramedics for critical injuries before he was flown to Canberra Hospital.

Both a white Ford Ranger, which had rolled to its side, and a B-double unladen cattle truck caught fire, with the blaze destroying the ranger and cabin of the truck.

One man was flown from the crash to Canberra Hospital and is fighting for life. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The drivers of both these vehicles, and one passenger, were uninjured, while a 32-year-old woman was treated for minor injuries.

The flames spread to nearby grassland but were extinguished by NSW Fire and Rescue.

Both drivers have been taken to Forbes Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police believe the fourth vehicle involved in the crash failed to stop and was last seen travelling north along the Newell Highway.

The roadway is closed in both directions and a crime scene has been established. Motorists are urged to avoid the area.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the crash with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – or any information – to contact Forbes Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.