Thirteen people have been injured after two Australian Defence Force vehicles crashed near the flood-hit town of Lismore in northern NSW.
Thirteen people have been injured after two Australian Defence Force vehicles crashed near the flood-hit town of Lismore in northern NSW.
- Breaking
- National
- NSW
- Extreme weather
By Carrie Fellner
Updated March 8, 2025 — 8.11pmfirst published at 5.49pm
Thirty-six people have been injured, some of them seriously, after two Australian Defence Force vehicles crashed near the flood-hit town of Lismore in northern NSW.
Emergency services were called to Tregeagle, nine kilometres south of Lismore, just after 5pm on Saturday after receiving reports two ADF trucks had collided, police said.
A NSW Ambulance spokesman said the emergency response was still under way, but there were reports of 36 patients injured in the crash.
A joint statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described the incident as serious.
“A short time ago there was a serious vehicle incident involving two Australian Defence Force vehicles near Lismore.
“A number of ADF personnel have been injured, some seriously.”
They said the incident was still ongoing, but medical assistance was on hand.
“Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need,” they said. “Right now our focus is on the welfare of those involved and their families.”
Sydney Morning Herald photographer Nick Moir was travelling from Coraki to Lismore when he came across the accident on Tregeagle Road.
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Initially, Moir assisted in triage and first aid before ambulance, local RFS and police rescue arrived to begin the rescue operation of three trapped ADF personnel.
Eighteen ambulance resources have been deployed to the scene, along with officers from Richmond Police District and specialist rescue units.
Nine News has reported eight of the personnel have been seriously injured.
A NSW Police spokesperson said officers from the crash investigation unit would investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Tregeagle Road is closed, and members of the public are urged to avoid the area.
A Department of Defence spokesperson said the vehicles were providing community support to Lismore following ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.
“A number of ADF personnel have been injured,” they said.
“The welfare of ADF members and their families is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved.
“Due to the developing nature of the incident, no further information will be available at this time; however, Defence will provide further updates when possible.”
More to come.
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Carrie Fellner is an investigative reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via Twitter or email.
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