PM vows to support ADF ‘heroes’ injured after army trucks crash in flood zone

Thirteen people have been injured after two Australian Defence Force vehicles deployed to the Northern Rivers region of NSW crashed.

Thirteen people have been injured after two Australian Defence Force vehicles deployed to the Northern Rivers region of NSW crashed late Saturday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to assist in Tregeagle, 9km south of Lismore, about 5pm, following reports there had been a road accident involving ADF personnel who had been sent to respond to ex-Cyclone Alfred.

On Sunday, NSW Police released updated information saying the two Australian Defence Force trucks involved did not crash in to one another.

Early information from authorities given on Saturday night said the two vehicles had collided, but a new release from police says “one vehicle left the roadway and rolled several times into a paddock, and a second vehicle tipped onto its side attempting to avoid the first vehicle”.

“Inquiries are continuing by the Crash Investigation Unit after 13 people were injured when two Australian Defence Force (ADF) military vehicles crashed 9km south-west of Lismore yesterday,” the police statement reads.

Each truck carried a driver and 15 passengers.

“Officers attached to Richmond Police District and Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance paramedics, Fire and Rescue NSW, SES and RFS members worked with ADF personnel from the convoy to remove and treat the 32 occupants,” the statement reads.

“All were taken to hospitals in Lismore, Tweed Heads, Ballina and Byron Bay for assessment, with 13 requiring treatment; police have been advised the injuries appear to be non-life threatening.

“Officers attached to the Far North Coast Crash Investigation Unit are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.”

Nineteen ambulances were dispatched to Tregeagle Road, and patients were transported to both Lismore and Tweed hospitals.

Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said 13 of the 36 ADF members caught up in the Lismore incident had been hurt and their families notified.

“This is a concerning situation … 13 have been injured and they are obviously being taken care of,” he told Sky News.

“Our personnel and their families are our first priority.”

Mr Keogh said he could not say how serious the injuries were.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was “very concerned” to learn of the crash.

“They came to the Northern Rivers to help keep this community safe,” he said.

“NSW emergency services are currently responding on the scene and we will provide all support necessary.”

Pictured is the scene in Tregeagle, South of Lismore where some Army trucks were involved in an incident leaving multiple Defence Force Personnel injured. Picture: 7News.

Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles labelled the ADF personnel hurt in the Lismore crash “heroes” and pledged their support to them. In a joint statement, the Prime Minister and Mr Marles warned the crash was an ongoing incident.

“Right now our focus is on the welfare of those involved and their families,” the Labor leadership team said.

“Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need.”

Peter Dutton said the ADF had been involved in “bravely stepping up” to protect communities in the cyclone-affected areas.

“Deeply concerned by reports of ADF personnel seriously injured near Lismore while assisting with flood recovery,” the Opposition Leader wrote in a social media post. “The ADF is at the forefront of Australia’s disaster response, bravely stepping into danger to protect and support communities.”

A Defence spokeswoman has confirmed the crash, but gave few other details.

“On Saturday 8 March 2025, there was an incident involving two Australian Defence Force (ADF) vehicles that were providing community support to Lismore following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. A number of ADF personnel have been injured,” she said

“The welfare of ADF members and their families is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved.

“Due to the developing nature of the incident, no further information will be available at this time, however Defence will provide further updates when possible.”