One dead after police pursuit ends in horror head-on crash

ONE person has been killed and another seriously injured in a devastating high-speed crash following a police pursuit in the northern Riverina. 

The multi-vehicle crash occurred on the Mid-Western Highway, about 60 kilometres north of Griffith, near Sawmill Road at Rankin Springs, shortly before 11am on Tuesday, May 5.

Police have confirmed officers attempted to stop a Mitsubishi with South Australian number plates travelling along the highway, however, the driver failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit, the vehicle reportedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with another vehicle.

The impact was catastrophic, with one vehicle reportedly ripped apart, scattering debris across the highway. Those at the scene described it as being “completely destroyed” and in “multiple pieces”.

The male driver of the Mitsubishi died at the scene.

A woman aged in her 60s, who was travelling in the second vehicle, became trapped in the wreckage after it sustained extensive front-end damage.

She is believed to have suffered multiple serious injuries and remained confined in the vehicle for nearly two hours, with emergency crews carrying out a delicate extraction.

A rescue helicopter with a specialist medical crew on board was deployed from Orange, landing on the highway about 150 metres from the crash site shortly before 12.30pm.

She was later airlifted to Canberra Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Image: livetraffic.com

A crime scene has been established, with a Critical Incident Team from Murray River Police District now investigating the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and crash.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

The Mid-Western Highway has been closed in both directions between Rankin Springs and Rankins Springs Road, as police continue to manage the scene.

The main arterial route is expected to remain shut for several hours while the scene is cleared and examined by specialist police.

Diversions are in place via Goolgowi, Griffith, Yenda, Ardlethan and West Wyalong, adding around 1.5 hours to travel times. Visit livetraffic.com for updates.

Heavy vehicle operators travelling under a Notice should check the relevant enforceable network map to confirm an approved alternative route.

Operators travelling under a Permit must not leave their approved route unless an updated permit is obtained from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Further details, including the circumstances leading up to the collision, are yet to be confirmed.

It was the second serious crash involving the deployment of a rescue helicopter in the Riverina at the time.

The Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter was also tasked to a motor vehicle accident on a private property at Erin Vale, near Junee, about 11.30am.

Read more here.