Two dead, 13 injured in horror start to NSW holiday road toll

A bus driver has died, 13 passengers have been injured and a pedestrian has been killed in a suspected hit-and-run in a horror start to the holiday period.

A bus driver has died, 13 passengers have been injured and a pedestrian has been killed in a horror start to the holiday period.

Two people lost their lives in separate incidents on NSW roads in the space of just a few hours overnight, taking the state’s road toll to 334 for the year.

Around 11pm, a man died in the Blue Mountains after its believed he was struck by a vehicle on the Great Western Highway.

Emergency services found the man at the intersection of the Great Western Highway and Sinclair Crescent, Leura, following reports a person was unresponsive beside the road.

Officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command found a man unconscious with serious injuries to his head and torso.

The scene on the Western Highway on Friday night. Picture: TNV.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, he died at the scene.

A short time later, a 50-year-old man attended Katoomba Police Station. He has been taken to Katoomba Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police have established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident.

Initial information provided to police indicates the man may have been injured after being struck by a car.

At 3.35am, emergency services rushed to the Hume Highway at Kyeamba, about 50km south of Wagga Wagga, following reports of a bus crash.

Police arrived to find a bus and a heavy vehicle – both travelling north – had collided.

The male driver of the bus was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but tragically died at the scene.

It’s understood the greyhound coach had been travelling from Melbourne to Sydney.

Motorists were caught in a huge tailback on the Western Highway. Picture: TNV

Paramedics treated 13 bus passengers for a range of injuries including lacerations and one man with a suspected broken leg. It’s understood none of the injuries are life-threatening.

The driver of the truck was not injured and has been taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital for mandatory testing.

On Thursday, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said sadly six people died as a result of crashes on our roads during the Christmas and New Year double demerit period last year.

Police Rescue officers at the scene of Friday's night suspected hit-and-run. Picture: TNV

“With many people expected to be on the roads travelling across the state to celebrate the festive season, I remind everyone to be vigilant and allow extra time to travel, even for short trips,” she said.

“It’s easy to become complacent about road safety, but unsafe driving can have tragic consequences.

“I urge everyone to obey the road rules and make safe decisions every time you’re behind the wheel, so everyone can reach their destinations safely to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.”

Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 commenced in the early hours of Friday morning and will conclude at 11.59pm on January 1.

Double demerit points will apply for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.