Cause of wild multi-car pileup in Sydney’s inner west revealed as police probe possible mechanical failure
Police have revealed an initial timeline of events which led to a nine-vehicle pileup that brought one of the busiest parts of Sydney to a standstill in peak hour traffic.
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A truck has bolted through an intersection, mounted a kerb and ploughed into several stopped vehicles, police have revealed as they investigate what led to a huge multi-car pileup on one of Sydney’s busiest roads.
Emergency services rushed to the intersection of Parramatta Rd and Great Northern Rd in Five Dock at about 4:30pm on Friday following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.
Officers arrived to find a Scania truck and seven vehicles, which were stopped at the intersection, had collided and were blocking traffic.
“The truck continued through the intersection, mounting the kerb before continuing eastbound while a Holden Captiva struck a Nissan X-Trail stopped in the westbound lanes,” NSW Police said in a statement.
The crash left a trail of carnage in its wake, with the bonnets of multiple vehicles crumpled and doors ripped of hinges of some cars.
Footage has emerged of heroic tradesmen putting their bodies on the line to overturn a flipped vehicle, while other good Samaritans rushed in to help those who had become trapped in their cars before authorities arrived.
The crash wiped out the three eastbound lanes of Parramatta Rd with debris stretching for dozens of metres as well as one westbound lane.
Police investigations into what led to the crash – including whether it was a mechanical failure – are continuing.
The truck was seized for mechanical examination and investigations are still ongoing.
Six people from four vehicles were treated by paramedics for non-life threatening injuries before they were taken to various hospitals.
They included a 47-year-old woman driving a Mazda 3 and her 56-year-old passenger, a 33-year-old female driver of an MG, the 62-year-old male driver of a Holden Captiva, a 56-year-old male driver of a Toyota Corolla and his 57-year-old female passenger.
A further four women, a 27-year-old VW Jetta driver, 54-year-old Hyundai driver, 23-year-old Mazda 6 driver, and a 23-year-old Nissan X-trail driver, who were caught up in the crash were uninjured.
Police established a crime scene on the road which was examined by specialist officers from the metropolitan crash investigation unit.
The uninjured 53-year-old driver of the truck was returned a negative roadside breath test.
He was taken to Burwood Police Station but has since been released as officers continue their investigation.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Originally published as Cause of wild multi-car pileup in Sydney’s inner west revealed as police probe possible mechanical failure
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