Cement truck, Harbour and Crown Street, Wollongong: Woman in serious condition after being hit by truck
Emergency services launched a major rescue operation in the Wollongong CBD today, after a woman became trapped underneath a loaded cement truck after she and her boyfriend stepped out in front of it.
Illawarra Star
Don't miss out on the headlines from Illawarra Star. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Identity of woman accused of stabbing boyfriend revealed
- Disgraced cop escapes jail after jury finds him guilty of misconduct
A 33-year-old woman has been flown to hospital in a serious but stable condition after she was hit by a loaded cement truck in the Wollongong CBD on Tuesday morning.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Harbour and Crown Streets in Wollongong around 9.30am, following reports a woman and her boyfriend had been hit by a truck.
When paramedics arrived, they found the woman trapped underneath the bed of the truck, sparking a major rescue operation.
Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector John Paull said the mission to free the woman was precarious, and involved the help of multiple agencies, including police and paramedics.
BREAKING: Emergency services are working to free a woman trapped under the wheels of a cement truck in the Wollongong CBD. @illawarrastar @dailytelegraph pic.twitter.com/rE3gu4UvzI
— Madeline Crittenden (@madjcrittenden) October 12, 2020
“It was a complex operation using airbags to lift both the truck and its axel as the woman’s legs and hips were partially trapped under the weight of the vehicle,” he said.
“It’s difficult when someone is trapped by confinement, we need to lift the vehicle very carefully to ensure we don't injure the person further.”
NSW Ambulance Inspector Matt Sterling said the woman was in a great deal of pain, but lucky to escape with injures just to the lower part of her body.
“She suffered lower limb, pelvic and abdominal injuries,” he said.
“We all need to be aware of our surroundings and be extra careful when driving any motor vehicle. This had the potential to be fatal.”
Witnesses say the woman and her boyfriend walked out in front of the truck “without looking”.
“Pretty horrific to see,” the witness said.
“They were just walking and stepped out in front without looking … I heard the screams and I knew it was bad.”
The woman’s boyfriend suffered minor abrasions to his body, and was transported to Wollongong Hospital in a state of shock.
The female driver of the cement truck was also treated for shock and taken to Wollongong Hospital.
Police are now investigating how the horrific accident occurred.