Four dead, one critical after utes crash head on

Dominic Giannini | April 7, 2023

Four people are dead and another is fighting for life after a head-on collision involving two utilities, in a horror start to the Easter long weekend.

A 52-year-old woman driving a Mitsubishi Triton and a 54-year-old man in the passenger’s seat died at the scene of the crash about 6.45am on Friday.

A man behind the wheel and a rear passenger in a Ford Ranger, both believed to be in their 20s, were also killed.

Another man from the second ute, also believed to be in his 20s, was airlifted by rescue helicopter to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition. 

The crash happened near the ACT and NSW border, with emergency crews from both jurisdictions attending the scene.

Acting NSW Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said the incident was tragic.

“Two cars with multiple deceased is no doubt seen as horrific,” she told reporters in Newcastle.

“My thoughts are with the family, friends and local community. They will no doubt feel the impact of these deaths.”

Some of the victims are understood to be locals. None have been formally identified.

Ms Chapman said she couldn’t comment on what led to the crash but cautioned all drivers to be aware of the conditions with rain forecast across Australia’s east coast.

“Police will investigate those matters,” she said.

“We urge drivers to follow the rules. The message is pretty simple: drive to the speed limit, drive to the conditions, don’t drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“That is the message we need motorists to heed to make sure we have an incident-free weekend.”

Fire and Rescue NSW said teams worked to cut people from the cars at 8.30am.

The crash closed the Barton Highway in both directions just south of Murrumbateman. 

Police established a crime scene and investigations continued during the day.

Motorists were urged to avoid the area and truck drivers advised that the diversion in place wasn’t suitable for B-doubles.