Five-car crash on major NSW highway kills two people, 21 injured

Two people are dead and more than 20 have been injured, five critically, in a horrific crash involving multiple vehicles on a major main road.

Two people are dead and more than 20 injured – five critically –following a horror multi-vehicle crash on a major NSW highway.

Emergency services rushed to the Great Western Highway at Wallerawang, 15km north of Lithgow, following a five-car crash about 12.50pm Friday.

NSW Police confirmed two people died at the scene.

Emergency services rushed to a five-car crash near Lithgow. Picture: Facebook

Multiple NSW Ambulance trucks were at the scene. Picture: Sky News

Twenty-one people have been treated at the scene by paramedics for varying injuries, with 15 of those requiring further treatment in hospital.

Five of those have suffered critical injuries in the incident.

More than 80 emergency service personnel and four rescue helicopters rushed to the scene.

Three children were flown to Westmead Children’s Hospital, including a nine-year-old girl with serious head injuries.

A woman aged in her 30s was taken to Westmead Hospital, a woman aged in her 40s was taken to Orange Hospital, and a man aged in his 50s was taken to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital.

Nine others were treated at closer facilities.

“Officers from Chifley Police District have established a crime scene and are awaiting the arrival of specialist police,” NSW Police said in a statement.

Images from the scene show more than a dozen NSW Ambulance vehicles, with paramedics and SES officers working to help the injured.

Dozens of ambulance officers helped attend to the injured. Picture: 7 News

Addressing the media on Friday evening, NSW Police Detective Superintendent Paul Glinn said it appeared one of the vehicles involved veered onto the wrong side of the highway.

“It would appear that a vehicle has crossed to the incorrect side of the road, but as to the actual circumstances as to what led up to that event and the collision that occurred and what flowed thereafter will be determined in coming days,” he said, describing it as a “significant scene.”

Detective Superintendent Glinn said drivers need to slow down over the busy holiday period.

“There’s a lot of people that are on holidays, a lot of people travelling on roads,” he said.

“Drive to the conditions, slow down. Every time you get behind the wheel you need to make good decisions, and ultimately your responsible for what occurs to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers.”

People injured in the crash have been taken to Westmead Hospital. Picture: 7 News

Local NSW state MP and opposition roads spokesman Paul Toole told the ABC the community is “hurting” following the crash.

“It’s shocking news and everyone is sending their condolences to those families and loved ones that have been involved in that serious accident,” he said.

“It has a far-rippling effect in our local communities.

“I know the police have not identified those that have been involved in the incident, but we know it is going to cause a lot of heartache and loss.”

Meanwhile, Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill is urging drivers to be careful on the roads.

“Two people have died in an horrific crash outside of Lithgow,” he wrote on Facebook.

“At this time of year, and in tourist areas like ours, there can be some frustration on the roads with sporadic traffic and people not necessarily knowing where they are going.

“Please drive at or below the speed limit and take it easy. We want people home and safe at the end of the summer break.”

Emergency services rushed to the Great Western Highway at Wallerawang, 15km north of Lithgow, following a five-car crash about 12.50pm Friday. Picture: Google Maps

The Great Western Highway is closed in both directions, and a crime scene has been set up.

Police are examining the crime scene and will continue to investigate, with the road expected to remain closed for several hours.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and allow extra travel time.

Traffic diversions are in place at Barton Ave, Pipers Flat Road, and Range Road, entering onto the highway.

In 2023 so far, 349 people have died on NSW roads — 70 more than at the same time last year.