Man in critical condition as Multi-vehicle pileup sees eight injured and M1 Pacific Hwy closed

A NIGHTMARE incident saw the M1 Pacific Motorway closed for up to three hours last night with several vehicles involved in a multi-vehicle pileup.

Seven vehicles have crashed on the M1 motorway at Cowan overnight, causing the highway to be blocked for four hours. Eight people were treated by NSW Ambulance and transported to hospital. Police and the Crash Investigation team are trying to establish the cause of the incident. Pics Bill Hearne

A NIGHTMARE incident saw the M1 Pacific Motorway closed for up to three hours last night, with several vehicles involved in a multi-vehicle pileup.

Shortly before 10pm on Wednesday night, emergency services were called to the northbound lane of the M1 at Cowan, just south of the Hawkesbury River bridge, after seven vehicles were involved in a crash.

The Crash Investigation team are trying to establish the cause of the incident. Pics Bill Hearne

Eight adults and two children were taken to multiple hospitals following the incident, with a 66-year-old man sustaining chest and head injuries before being taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.

NSW Police Crash Investigation Unit believe three vehicles — a Toyota MR2, a Subaru Liberty and a Mazda Tribute — were involved in the initial crash, however, four more vehicles — a Toyota RAV4, a VW Golf, a Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Hilux — were also involved.

Eight people were treated by NSW Ambulance and transported to hospital. Pics Bill Hearne

“A 22-year-old man, driving the Liberty, sustained hip injuries,” A NSW Police spokesman said.

“Of his three passengers a 27-year-old woman has a broken leg, an 18-year-old man has suspected spinal injuries, and a 15-year-old boy has a broken collarbone.

“Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit attended and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.”

Seven vehicles have crashed on the M1 motorway at Cowan overnight, causing the highway to be blocked for four hours. Pics Bill Hearne

Police and the Crash Investigation team are trying to establish the cause of the incident. Pics Bill Hearne

According to NSW Police, a 58-year-old woman sustained a chest injury, a 50-year-old man and his 47-year-old passenger were taken to hospital with a range of chest and neck injuries, while a 13-year-old girl has been treated for bruising.

Two 63-year-old women and a 42-year-old man escaped serious injury.

M1 northbound lanes were closed for three hours, with traffic diverted onto the Old Pacific Highway, Berowra.

The cause of the crash is yet to be determined.