A serious crash involving a truck and a four-wheel drive has left a driver in a critical condition near Forbes in regional New South Wales. Emergency services responded to the collision on the Newell Highway near Cross Street, where a four-wheel drive and a truck collided, causing significant injuries and traffic disruption.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:30am, prompting a major emergency response involving NSW Ambulance crews, police officers and rescue teams. The 46-year-old driver of the four-wheel drive was trapped inside the vehicle following the impact and required assistance from emergency responders to be freed.
After being removed from the damaged vehicle, the driver received medical treatment at the scene before being airlifted to hospital due to the seriousness of his injuries. Authorities confirmed that the driver was in a serious condition following the collision.
A passenger travelling in the four-wheel drive, aged 28, suffered minor injuries and was transported to hospital for further assessment. The truck driver was not physically injured in the crash but underwent mandatory testing as required under road safety procedures.
The collision caused disruption along the Newell Highway, an important transport route connecting communities across western New South Wales. Emergency crews worked at the scene while police established an investigation area to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Crash investigators are examining several factors that may have contributed to the incident, including road conditions, vehicle movements and driver behaviour. Police have encouraged anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Road crashes involving heavy vehicles and passenger vehicles can result in serious consequences due to the size and weight differences between vehicles. Authorities regularly remind motorists travelling on regional highways to remain alert, maintain safe distances and follow speed limits.
The Newell Highway is a key freight and travel route through western NSW, with thousands of vehicles using the road each year. Safety campaigns have highlighted the importance of cautious driving, especially on regional roads where long distances, fatigue and changing conditions can increase risks.
Emergency services continue to respond to serious crashes across regional Australia, with investigations helping identify ways to improve road safety and prevent future incidents.
The Forbes crash remains under investigation, and authorities are seeking information from members of the public who may be able to assist with determining what happened.
