U-turn decision led to fatal Sturt Highway collision near Hay

By Tertia Butcher

The horrific crash just outside Hay last week was directly linked to poor driver behaviour according to Police.

The Sturt Highway collision left two dead and the road closed for more than 24 hours.

Crash Investigation Unit Commander Inspector Jason Hogan said the tragic Sturt Highway collision on Monday, January 15 at about 5.10 pm was the result of the sedan driver attempting a U-turn in front of a fully loaded semi-trailer.

“The semi-trailer collided with the Holden Commodore after the truck driver tried to take evasive action but was unable to do so,” Insp Hogan said.

“The driver (71) and his front seat (female) passenger were killed as a result.

“A male and female in their 20s in the rear of the Commodore were able to get out and are currently in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries.”

The 27-year-old male driver of the truck was treated for minor injuries before being taken to Griffith Hospital for mandatory testing.

Murrumbidgee Police District detectives have commenced an investigation surrounding the incident and will report to the coroner.

The state’s grim start to the week with four major collisions which resulted in five fatalities within a seven-hour period prompted senior police to urge drivers to adhere to road safety measures during this holiday season.

“The accidents seen are all related to driver behaviour, and not any other factor except people making poor decisions on our roads, not driving to the conditions and causing serious injury collisions,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Anthony Boyd said.

“The message is very clear.

“We need you to adhere to the messaging of safety.

“Your behaviour while driving a motor vehicle is your responsibility.

“You’ll be held accountable when you are driving in a manner which is dangerous.”

In other fatal incidents that occurred across the state on the same day, a 77-year-old male driver of also a Commodore died at the scene following a crash in Cowra with the driver of an SUV around 2:50 pm.

The 56-year-old driver of the SUV was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

And in Sydney’s north west, two 17-year-old boys were killed when their sports car hit a power pole at around 9.40pm.

The 17-year-old P-plate driver was treated for serious chest and internal injuries and also taken to Westmead Hospital.