One dead, three in critical condition after NSW horror crash

A woman is dead, another passenger is fighting for life and two children are in a critical condition after a crash on the Princes Highway outside of Wollongong.

© 9News
Emergency crews rushed to the scene of a fatal crash on the Princes Highway at Figtree on Friday, March 5, 2021.

A police spokesman said the driver of one car died at the scene and three others were injured when two vehicles collided southbound at Figtree about 7.15pm on Friday.

An off-duty paramedic was first on the scene after driving past the crash, 9News has learned.

According to NSW Ambulance, a teenager was airlifted to Westmead Children’s Hospital in a critical condition, while paramedics rushed two children to Wollongong Hospital.

The children were both later taken to Westmead Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.

“No words can describe the scene that we were faced (with) this evening,” NSW Ambulance acting inspector Nathan O’Brien said in a statement.

“Going to a road accident when we know there are children involved is always difficult for first responders.

“Multiple patients with serious injuries can create a very challenging environment for paramedic crews. It is our responsibility to do everything we can to provide life-saving treatment.”

NSW Police said after the collision near the Masters Road off-ramp, the blue Holden Statesmen hit a tree, trapping all four occupants.

A police spokesman told 9News.com.au the critically injured female had been sitting in the front passenger seat with the youngest passengers in the back.

© 9News
Emergency crews rushed to the scene of a fatal crash on the Princes Highway at Figtree on Friday, March 5, 2021.

While the other vehicle’s driver, also a woman, was visibly unharmed she was also taken to hospital for mandatory testing, the spokesman said.

Earlier reports had indicated as many as five cars were involved in the smash.

A NSW Ambulance spokeswoman told 9News.com.au 12 ambulance crews and two helicopters were called to the scene and treated four patients.

The police spokesman said diversions were in place and crash unit investigators were on the way to the scene.