Second man killed after fatal multi-car crash closes Sydney Harbour Bridge

Police have identified the probable cause of a major crash that claimed two lives on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Thursday.

Two men have died following a horror multi-vehicle crash that has closed Sydney’s famed Harbour Bridge.

Emergency services were called to the bridge shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.

One man died at the scene and a second man, who was critically injured, also died at the scene.

Both men are yet to be formally identified.

A driver veering into oncoming traffic was likely the cause, police say.

Dozens of emergency service workers were on scene. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Two men died in the crash. Picture: X

Speaking to media about three hours after the crash, Sydney City Acting Superintendent Clayton McDonald said it appeared one vehicle travelling northbound veered across “for some unknown reason” into the southbound lanes, which caused a first collision and then multiple further collisions.

The Acting Superintendent said the family of the two dead men had not been notified, so would not be releasing the makes and models of cars involved.

The other drivers involved in the crash were taken to hospital for mandatory testing. A pregnant woman and a man were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Police would be working throughout the night to advise the families of those people who died.

The crash happened about 1.30pm. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Members of the public helped emergency services to extricate the two men who died in their respective cars, and support services were on offer to witnesses, Superintendent McDonald said.

A huge gridlock followed the crash, and the vast majority of affected drivers waited patiently without issue.

However, one motorbike rider will likely be charged in the coming hours.

Superintendent McDonald said a man rode his motorbike through the scene, trying to get through the blockage.

Police stood in front of the motorbike, and one officer was hit on the leg, but the rider was stopped.

He is in custody and police believe his motorcycle was unregistered and his licence was suspended.

As police, ambulance, transport and fire rescue representatives spoke to media about 4.20pm, two lanes of the bridge in both directions were reopened.

Members of the public helped emergency services tyring to get people out of their damaged cars. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

But congestion is expected to persist into the night.

“Please make use of public transport if you can,” Superintendent McDonald said.

Two lanes of the Harbour Bridge in both directions reopened as the press conference was happening, but delays and congestion is still expected.

Transport for NSW co-ordinator-general Howard Collins told motorists to avoid the area as queues were up to 12km long.

“It will take several hours to clear the backlog of traffic, and this will extend into the evening peak … I recommend you use the rail network or the Metro,” Mr Collins said.

“If you do not need to travel this afternoon … do not do it.

“If at all possible, do use public transport.”

Heavy vehicles which cannot use the tunnel are being sent on a lengthy detour.

There is significant congestion and delays were likely to be protracted, he said.

“I would just like to thank all of the emergency services.”

“It is a rare occurrence on our bridge.”

NSW Ambulance Superintendent Jordan Rosser said nine ambulance crews attended, including a helicopter.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said firefighters cut apart two cars with help from police rescue officers.

There was significant wreckage and spills across the road.

Traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.#SydneyHarbourBridge#Sydneypic.twitter.com/vXKpC78I1d

— Mark Miranda (@MarkAMiranda) October 17, 2024

A crime scene had also since been established with officers attached to the Crash Investigations Unit investigating the incident.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and check Live Traffic for updates.

Video uploaded to social media showed traffic banked up past on ramps on to the bridge.

In another video, a helicopter was seen landing at the famed bridge following the closure.

Police are warning of ongoing traffic chaos on Thursday evening.

They advised people headed to Olympic Park for two concerts – Travis Scott and Olivia Rodrigo – will need to take alternative routes.

Originally published as Second man killed after fatal multi-car crash closes Sydney Harbour Bridge